School Resource Officer

School Resource Officer

A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a sworn law enforcement officer who is assigned to work within a school setting. The primary role of an SRO is to ensure the safety and security of the students, staff, and visitors while also promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and the school community. This is a grant-funded position. The salary is determined by the grant allocation each year. The SRO must follow all requirements of the Arizona Department of Education School Safety Program grant.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Security and Safety: Ensuring the safety and security of the school premises by patrolling the school grounds, monitoring entrances and exits, and responding to any security threats or emergencies.
• Crisis Management: Being prepared to handle various crisis situations that may arise, such as fights, disruptive behavior, or medical emergencies.
• Law Enforcement: Enforcing local, state, and federal laws within the school environment and handling any criminal activities that occur on school grounds.
• Conflict Resolution: Assisting in mediating conflicts and disputes among students and helping to promote a positive and respectful school climate.
• Mentoring: Serving as a mentor and positive role model for students, offering guidance and support when needed.
• Education and Prevention: Delivering presentations and educational programs on topics such as drug awareness, internet safety, and bullying prevention.
• Collaboration: Working closely with school administrators, teachers, and staff to address safety concerns and create a safe learning environment.
• Investigations: Conducting investigations related to incidents that occur on school property, such as theft, vandalism, or drug-related issues.
• Resource for Students and Staff: Being a resource for students and staff members to discuss safety concerns or report any suspicious activities.
• Supporting Special Events: Assisting with the security and coordination of school events, such as dances, sporting events, family engagement evenings and parent-teacher conferences.
• Building Relationships: Developing positive relationships with students and being approachable to foster trust and open communication.
• Situational Awareness: Being aware of potential threats or safety risks and taking appropriate actions to prevent or mitigate them.
• Serves as a member of School Safety Assessment and Prevention Teams
• Collaborates with school personnel on school-wide safety strategies (e.g. staff training, emergency response planning, needs assessments, and prevention programming)
• Maintains accurate Activity Logs
• Complies with all requirements of the ADE SSP Grant.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• Ability to establish priority ordering of tasks necessary to complete tasks and convey these understandings and priorities to others.
• Ability to work cooperatively and courteously with staff, students, parents and community members.
• Ability to cope with job stress while exhibiting patience and tact when dealing with others.
• Perform all duties in accordance with Federal and State laws, district procedures and Board policies.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Certified Law Enforcement Officer (or previously certified and eligible for re-certification)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk. The employee may be required to move ten pounds and could occasionally lift or move up to twenty-five pounds.

Work Environment

School and office environment. This position regularly works indoors. The noise level in the work environment is generally quiet to moderate and may become excessively noisy at times. Will have contact with students, employees and the public.

Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities identified in this position description are illustrative only and are in no way intended to be a complete list of activities that may be required of an incumbent.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.