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School Resource Officer Program
The Weatherford Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) Program continues to be a positive influence in the Weatherford Independent School District. The District includes 11 campuses -- seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one ninth grade school, and one high school. The School Resource Officer works closely with campus administrators and staff. These meetings are intended to build a stronger bond between the schools and the police department.
What is a School Resource Officer?
The School Resource Officer (SRO) Program is the next step in Community Oriented Policing (COP). The SRO is an asset used by the community and the school in an attempt to address situations proactively in the lives of students rather than in the judicial system.
The School Resource Officer program is a nationally-accepted program involving the placement of a law enforcement officer within the educational environment. The officer is involved in a variety of functions while in the school, aimed at prevention. In addition to being an active high profile law enforcement officer, the SRO is a resource for students, parents, teachers and administration regarding law issues. The SRO is a link to other service agencies that provide preventive and counseling services within the school district. Working hand-in-hand with the Principal in each school, the SRO assists with finding positive solutions to problems afflicting today's school age children.
The SRO helps students deal with the pressures facing them today such as the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, along with peer pressure, gang activity, and bullying. These situations are sometimes present in the schools and community. Providing classroom instruction has proven to be more effective than methods used in the past.
What do SROs do in the schools?
The SRO works with the administration, educators, and counselors. The role each plays is dependent on the need of the situation. The Weatherford Independent School District is dedicated to providing an education to each of its students. With this goal in mind, all assets and services are pledged to this end. Duties of the SRO include:
- To investigate crimes that occur within the school and on school property;
- To investigate crimes that occur in the community that involve students going to the officer's school;
- To create a positive role model for students, creating a link between law enforcement and the students;
- To be a resource for parents, staff, administration, and students in regards to law enforcement and community problems.
SROs are also specialized in juvenile law and are members of the Texas Gang Investigator’s Association. SROs look at the “total picture” when dealing with students, and get others within the school system involved to solve the problem. For example: A student with a suspected substance abuse problem is a different concern than a student being harassed or a student suspected in being involved in gang activity. No one person has the "final" say as to the solution to a situation, as each has differing roles, authority, and approaches. The major concern is the student, the needs to be addressed, and possible solutions. As teachers, SROs have taught anti-drug, alcohol and tobacco awareness courses to all 8th graders through their health classes. Sophomores are given training in adult expectations and laws that could be violated for certain behaviors and SROs serve as guest speakers in a myriad of classrooms -- from public speaking to constitutional law. SROs also provide training to school staff as needed in the area of school safety. The SRO has become a valuable asset to the police department, school district, and the community.
How can I contact my child's SRO?
You can reach your child’s SRO by calling the school during regular hours and asking for the SRO. However, if school is not in session you may leave your contact information for the SRO at the Weatherford Police Department (817-598-4310).
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