The School Resource Officer (SRO) program is the next step in Community Oriented Policing (COP). The SRO is an asset used by the community and the school in an attempt to address situations in the lives of students in a manner other than the judicial system.
The School Resource Officer program is a nationally accepted program involving the placement of a law enforcement officer within the educational environment. The officer is involved in a variety of functions in the school aimed at prevention. In addition to being an active high profile law enforcement officer, the SRO is a resource for students, parents, teachers and administration regarding law issues. Another duty for the SRO is as a link to other service agencies that provide preventive and counseling services within the school district. Working hand-in-hand with the Principal in each school, the SRO assists with finding solutions to problems afflicting today's school age children.
The SRO is a proactive approach to deal with the pressures that today's youth finds itself having to confront. This includes the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, along with peer pressure, gang activity, and sex. These situations are not only in the schools, but in the community as well. The approach of addressing these issues only in the school, or only in the community, has not been completely effective. Traditionally, police and schools did not interact until one called upon the other.
Starting in November of 2002 the Boone County Sheriff’s Department was granted funding from the COPS program to start an SRO program with two officers. After completing a 40 hour basic SRO training and a two day federal training seminar as required by the grant the two new officers were placed in the four Columbia public elementary schools located in the county and the Harrisburg School district.
After the programs first year, the DARE and SRO programs were combined into one unit. The officers were cross trained in the DARE and SRO programs. As of 2005, the Boone County Sheriff’s Department has 4 officers assigned to 9 schools with-in Boone County. The SRO/DARE officers spend the full shift working in their assigned schools. Each officer conducts classroom instruction to students, training to teachers and other school staff, counseling to students, parents, taking enforcement action when necessary under the Safe Schools Act and teach the DARE program and other safety and law related topics. During the summer the SRO officers work in a variety of areas, bike patrol, crime prevention programs, explorer post activities, neighborhood watch program,and D.A.R.E. camp.
SRO in schools is not a new idea but one from the 1950’s originally put in practice to curb youth crime.The SRO program has evolved into an effective link between the community and law enforcement. Officers have contact with the youth of the community building trust, respect, and social responsibility over time.
The SRO works with administration, educators, and counselors to provides other resources and options. The officers are able to help identify at risk youth and assist with intervention before serious problems occur. Teach about school staff and students on Law, Personal safety, and Drug awareness. The SRO’s are also able to make arrests when needed keeping a safe and worry free learning environment.
Further information may be obtained by contacting Sgt Tom O’Sullivan, Services Division Supervisor at the Boone County Sheriff’s Department M-F 8 AM to 5 PM. 875-1111 ext.6224
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
The best method is to contact your child’s school and ask for the School Resource Officer. If the officer is not working at that time you may leave a message for the officer or contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Department at 573-875-1111. If you have an emergency contact 911 for all locations within Boone County.