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Since January of 2003, the School Resource Officer (SRO) program has been an integral part of our community. Initially led solely by Officer Brad Criswell, our SRO team expanded in the spring of 2023 with the addition of Officer Lilly Dunlop. Officer Criswell's primary focus shifted to our district's secondary campus, encompassing grades 6-12, while Officer Dunlop took charge of our district's three elementary schools, covering grades K-5 at Oviatt, Orchard Hills, and Lakewood Elementary Schools.
The SROs are pivotal in managing police-related incidents within our schools, handling the majority of calls for service and conducting follow-up investigations involving juvenile cases outside the school setting. Collaborating closely with school staff, they develop and implement emergency plans and safety protocols, rigorously tested throughout the year to prepare for potential threats.
Furthermore, our SROs play key roles in the School Improvement Advisory Safety sub-committee, conducting safety audits and submitting reports to the Superintendent of Schools and the School Board.
In addition to their law enforcement duties, SROs are frontline figures in de-escalating conflicts among students or between students and staff. Their specialized training in dispute mediation facilitates dialogue and resolution. Mentoring students is another significant aspect of their role, often at the request of administration, parents, or students themselves.
When not engaged in these responsibilities, SROs patrol campuses, monitor access points, and address potential safety hazards like broken fences or unlocked doors. They also provide supervision and assistance at district events expecting large crowds.
Acting as guest speakers and instructors in classrooms, SROs cover various topics such as school safety, drug abuse, bullying, and online safety. Additionally, they educate teachers and staff on safety precautions, including ALICE protocols, and ensuring the entire school community is prepared for emergencies.
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