
The School Resource Officer program began in September 2000 as a way to combat
the increasing number of criminal and behavioral problems within our schools.
School Resource Officer Programs are not unique to this area. These programs are
being started throughout the country as a proactive way by law enforcement and
school administrators of addressing a wide variety of issues in our schools.
School Resource Officers are police officers who engage in school-based
community-oriented policing that prevents violent, criminal and delinquent
behavior in and around campuses. The officers are trained to identify children
who have problems at home, school and with inter-personal relationships and to
mentor them. The S.R.O's are present in the schools as positive role models who
promote a safe school environment.
Our program was initially funded by a "Cops in
Schools" grant that was secured through the United States Department of Justice.
Six officers of the Auburn Police Department were placed in the eight schools in
the Auburn Enlarged City School District. In 2004 the funding from
the grant for the program had run out. By this time our program was gaining
nationwide recognition for its effectiveness and everyone involved realized that
the program was too valuable to end. The city and the school district struggled
with who would fund the program. In 2004 the City of Auburn funded the program in its entirety.
By 2005 the school district realized that the city could not continue to fund
the program on its own and agreed to split the cost. That agreement still exists
today. The only way for the program to continue to be successful is through a
collaborative effort between the City of Auburn and the Auburn Enlarged City School District.
Currently, there are five
police officers assigned to the eight schools within the district. Our goal is
to provide a community law enforcement resource for the students, parents and
staff of the Auburn Enlarged City School District while engaging in
activities that promote safety, security and well-being of students and staff.
Sgt. Gregory Dann, S.R.O. Supervisor
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