The Mount Pleasant Police Department implemented its School Resource Officer (SRO) position over thirty years ago. Through positive relationships, the SRO bridges the gap between youth, parents, school staff, and the community. They also strive to provide a safer school environment by working closely with the school district to solve problems in the school and surrounding community.
Goals
The main goal of the SRO is to establish rapport and relationships with students, particularly those deemed at risk, and find ways to divert them from becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. School Resource Officers also conduct investigations of law violations in which the students are either victims or suspects. They work closely with students, families, school staff, and social service agencies to prevent young people from getting into trouble.
Responsibilities
The SRO has many responsibilities. The primary responsibility is to act as a liaison between the Police Department and the school. They serve as a resource for school staff and students and are frequently asked to give class presentations. Working in partnership with schools provides an opportunity to implement programs aimed primarily at preventing delinquent behavior through education, communication, and understanding among the school, youth, police, and the community.
Mount Pleasant has one full-time School Resource Officer who is currently stationed at Case High School within the Racine Unified School District. The SRO actively participates in activities at the school and neighboring schools when requested. Examples of activities include:
- Adjunct Instructor through Gateway Technical College
- ALICE Instructor
- Coordinator for the Case High School Criminology Club
- Substance Abuse and Prevention Classes
- Truancy Prevention and Intervention
- Underage Drinking Awareness and Prevention Classes