8403 - SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
The purpose of the District’s School Resource Officer Program is to promote safe, orderly, and secure learning environments for students through the activities of law enforcement, fostering a positive school climate, and education. The duties of the School Resource Officer (SRO) are primarily to promote school safety during the school day, to conduct law enforcement activities, to deliver education and collaboration with students and staff, to serve as a positive role model, and to assist in crime prevention and safety consulting.All duties shall be consistent with Federal and State laws, regulations, and police department policies and procedures.The role of the SRO is not to enforce discipline or punish students for violations of the student code of conduct, nor will an SRO be assigned to perform any educational duties in lieu of a certified educator.
The District may engage the services of a School Resource Officer(s) by executing a memorandum of understanding with the law enforcement agency for services.SRO’s shall be trained as provided by law, including a basic training program and at least forty (40) hours of school resource officer training within one (1) year of appointment approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission. School Resource Officers employed by the District prior to the enactment of R.C. 3313.951 are exempt from the training requirements.
The memorandum of understanding shall clarify the following areas: the purpose of the SRO program and roles, responsibilities, and expectations between the District, District staff, and the law enforcement agency.It shall include defined goals, background training requirements for the selected officer(s) including child and adolescent development, provide for professional development in relevant areas, protocol for how suspected criminal activity versus school discipline will be handled, coordinated crisis planning and updating school crisis plans, student privacy under State and Federal law, and any other items identified by the parties. The memorandum of understanding shall be available in the District's Safety Plan.
The District and law enforcement agency shall agree on criteria for selection of officers, which include but are not limited to a college degree or related college coursework, a minimum of two (2) years of experience as an officer, and an interest in working with youth. The District and law enforcement agency will establish evaluation procedures to support and monitor the activities and performance of the SRO.
The SRO ultimately is accountable to the law enforcement agency but while at school, the SRO also is accountable to the building administration and Superintendent, and is expected to cooperate with school officials and school faculty and be familiar with and follow Board policies, guidelines and procedures, including but not limited to issues of student privacy, discipline, and operating standards for students with disabilities.
School Resource Officers may assist with the implementation or amendment of the District’s comprehensive emergency management plan and in doing so, must consult with first responders and local law enforcement officials. Other functions of the SRO outlined in the memorandum of understanding may include activities geared towards providing a safe learning environment, providing resources to school staff members, maintaining positive relationships with staff and students, developing community linkages with behavioral health and other community agencies, and developing problem-solving strategies for issues affecting students.
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