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What is a School Resource Officer?

School Resource Officers work on building healthy and trusting relationships with children of all ages and backgrounds by becoming a familiar presence in their school experiences.  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 forum other than the judicial system.

The School Resource Officer program (SRO) is a nationally accepted program involving the placement of a law enforcement officer within the educational environment. The officer, while in school, is involved in a variety of functions aimed at prevention. Besides 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 being a link to other service agencies which 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 affecting school age children.

The SRO program is a proactive approach to deal with the pressures today's young people find themselves 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, law enforcement and school did not interact until one called upon the other.

Are the Schools so bad we need SROs?

This is a question that is common with parents, teachers, and community leaders. The question is easily answered when you ask yourself the following: Wouldn't you rather send your child to a school where there is an active law enforcement officer on duty, working with the school system, who acts quickly to solve problems?

While there have been some concerns within and around Washington County Schools, an officer in the school is not a required necessity. Any time an officer is in an area, that officer’s presence alone will usually deter behavior not normally accepted by society.

The Washington County school system, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, are working together to confront problems our students must face now. By addressing these issues together and proactively we become increasingly effective.

Through prevention programs, it is hoped that in Washington County, we can reverse the trends that are hurting our youth and education. The school system understands and believes that we hold the future of youth in our hands.

What do SROs do ?

One of the most important aspects of the SRO program is the ability of the officer to develop teamwork in fighting many problems that students of today are facing.

The basic outline of duties for the SRO includes investigating crimes that occur within the school and on school property, creating a positive role model for students, creating a link between law enforcement and the students, and being a resource for parents, staff, administration, and students in regards to law enforcement and community problems.

The SRO works with the School Administration, Educators, and Counselors. The role each plays is dependent on the needs of the situation. Washington County is dedicated to providing an education to all of their students. With this goal in mind, all assets and services are pledged to this end. The primary concern is that of the student.

Roulhac Middle School                                     Chipley High School                         DEP. Amanda Holland, 638-6170                       SGT. Brian Paridon, 638-6170

Vernon Middle School                                      Vernon High School,                               DEP. Bob Woolever, 535-2807                          DEP. Justin Jenkins 535-2046