Adopted by TASRO
Carefully Selected, Specifically Trained, and Properly Equipped
The School Based Law Enforcement concept is the placement of an experienced law enforcement professional in the High Schools, Middle Schools and Elementary Schools with the following goals.
With such a program, the officer represents much more than a "cop in the shop." The SRO program reflects a community partnership between the Police Department and the School Districts to ensure that our schools are safe, secure, and provide an orderly learning environment.
The SRO should be looked at as a resource to which the school community can turn. As such, the SRO fulfills three roles by using a triad approach. The officer acts as a law enforcement officer, an informal counselor, and a law-related presenter. As a law enforcement officer, the primary purpose is to "keep the peace." As a informal counselor, the officer provides resource guidance to students, parents, teachers, staff, and act as a link to support services both inside and outside the school. As a law-related presenter, the officer will share special law enforcement expertise by presentations in the classroom to promote a better understanding of our laws. Furthermore, the SRO also serves as positive role model for the students on campus during school hours and off campus at extracurricular activities.