QUALIFICATIONS:

• School Resource Officer Certification (40 hours through MDE)
• Commissioned as a law enforcement officer
• Minimum of three years experienced in a law enforcement related field
• Broad base of knowledge regarding youth, social issues, and the criminal justice system
• Ability to work with youth
• Knowledge of the court system and presentation of evidence in court proceedings
• Knowledge of city, county, state, and federal laws
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with others
• Such other qualifications as the Superintendent and Board may deem acceptable and appropriate

REPORTS TO:  SRO Chief

JOB GOAL:  To conduct highly responsible law enforcement work under general direction to create and maintain a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment for students, staff, and patrons.  Foster an efficient and cohesive program that will build a positive relationship between law enforcement officer and the youth of the community in addition to reducing crime committed by juveniles and young adults

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Personal and Professional Responsibilities:

• Wear an approved uniform during duty hours unless otherwise approved by Superintendent.
• Duty hours will be on school days during school hours. A modified work schedule will be utilized on days of significant evening event (i.e. athletic events, dances, and graduation exercises).  Attendance at away events may be requested by supervisor.
• Adapt to a school environment and maintain a commitment to ongoing professional development in working with youth and in a school environment.
• Maintain sensitivity and respect for school officials’ responsibilities. Make a concerted effort to develop and maintain a cooperative atmosphere.
• Serve as link between the school district, local law enforcement, and social service agencies.
• Attend parent, faculty, student, and other organization meeting as requested by the school administration and approved by supervisor.
• Work in conjunction with the school administration in the investigation and due process of serious discipline incidents.
• Assist other law enforcement officers with outside investigations concerning students attending schools in the district.
• Assist district administration in the investigation of complaints against staff and worker compensation cases as needed.
• Keep accurate, legible records, and reports.
• Keep all information regarding names and actions taken in the strictest of confidence and in accordance with FERPA.
• Establish a trusting channel of communication with students, staff, and patrons.
• Testify in Board of Education hearings, court, and other legal proceedings.
• Keep current on modern police practices and methods used in crime investigations and the identification and presentation of physical evidence.
• Alert school administration and appropriate law enforcement agencies of potential problems in the school and community before they occur.
• Demonstrate punctuality and appropriate attendance.
• Perform such other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as assigned by the SRO Chief and/or Superintendent.

Safety and Security of Facilities and Grounds:

• Protect school district property, staff, students, and patrons while on school district property.
• Observe, evaluate, and report on traffic around all schools.
• Monitor security cameras.
• Assist district administration with fingerprinting/background checks of potential, new, and current employees as needed.
• Patrol parking lots to ensure staff and students’ safety upon arrival on and leaving of school property.
• Perform ongoing security checks of all school facilities and making recommendation to the school administration.
• Investigate criminal activity committed on or adjacent to school district property.
• Deter misconduct by remaining highly visible in the halls, cafeteria, gymnasium, parking areas, etc.
• Keep current on principles and practices of security supervision.
• Maintain knowledge of emergency routes, drills, and waiting areas utilized during emergency situations.
• Assist the school administration with truancy issues, criminal activities, and anyone causing disruption on school property.

Educational and Intervention Responsibilities:

• Prepare and conduct classroom activities while maintaining an awareness that each school may require different styles of educational and intervention programs that involve a wide range of topics including security, crime prevention, drug/alcohol education, citizenship and community responsibility, and other related issues as approved by the school administration. Activities should be fun and interesting as well as informative.
• Coordinate all educational activities with law enforcement officials, local organizations, and school administration. Seek their advice, permission, and guidance prior to enacting any program or distributing any pamphlets/brochures/handouts within the school.
• Provide counseling on a limited basis and be familiar with all community agencies which offer assistance to youth and their families such as, but not limited to, mental health clinics, substance abuse treatment centers, child protective services, domestic violence services, juvenile authorities, and make referrals to such agencies when necessary.
• Provide crisis intervention for students in stressful situations.
• Empower students with the knowledge of law enforcement efforts and obligations as well as consequences for violations of the law.
• Inform students of their rights and responsibilities in order to become better informed, lawful, citizens.
• Intervene in student arguments and talk with all persons involved to avoid altercations.

Rules, Regulations, and Enforcement:

• Enforce state statutes and city ordinances.
• Interview victims, witnesses, and suspects in crime and disorder investigations in compliance with law and Board policy.
• Avoid taking advantage of students and staff as a “captive audience” for routine police investigations and nonessential interviews by police and others that may be disruptive to the learning environment as the primary purpose of the school is to educate.
• The SRO will not act as a school disciplinarian; however, the SRO will report any violations of school discipline policy to the appropriate administrator.
• As required by law, the SRO will notify the appropriate agencies and initiate a report if there is knowledge of a “reasonable cause” to suspect a child of being abused or neglected.
• Make arrests and take offenders into custody in compliance with state and federal law.
• Conduct lawful searches of persons and property, confiscate and secure evidence and contraband in compliance with state and federal laws.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Salary and work year established by NBCSD School Board

EVALUATION:  Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Certified Personnel.