School Resource Unit

History of the S.R.O. Program: The School Resource Officer Program, also called School Liaison, started in the late 1950’s in Flint, Michigan.  The goal was to improve relations between police and students while serving as a resource to the school  community. The concept quickly caught on and began expanding throughout the nation. Pasco County started the program in 1986 with deputies assigned to two high schools.  The program has enjoyed tremendous success and has grown to include every high school, middle school, alternative school and several elementary schools.

S.R.O. Program in Pasco County: Though employed by the Sheriff, School Resource Officers work closely with and keep the same hours as school personnel.  Each school resource officer plays an integral role in the safety and success in the school in which he or she serves.  School resource officers seek to form a bond with the students at the school to develop mutual trust.  The S.R.O. Program was not created in response to a drug or violence problem in our schools.  It was created to prevent such problems from occurring.  Recognized statewide for excellence, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Program is improving the quality of life in Pasco County by improving relations with its   youngest citizen.

S.R.O. Concept
To be most effective the program focuses on a triad concept:

Law Enforcement — First and foremost, the S.R.O. is a law enforcement officer who investigates criminal activity that occurs on school campuses and makes arrests when necessary.  The school resource officer also investigates allegations of child abuse not occurring on campus if one of their students is a victim.

Education – The best way to prevent crime is through quality education which is an integral part of the school resource officer assignment.  School resource officers teach a wide variety of topics from the DARE anti–drug program and Peer Pressure, to Consequences of Crime and the GREAT anti-gang program.

Counselor – School resource officers spend a good portion of their day listening to students and helping them with their problems.  Whether it is advice on a criminal matter or just being someone the student can talk to, the school resource officer is available to help the students with matters affecting their lives.  School resource officers refer students to other counseling  and treatment services when needed.

School Commitment

A very important component of the S.R.O. Program is student interaction. To be successful, it is crucial the deputy show a genuine    interest in the school by becoming involved in extra-curricular activities such as: attending school sporting events and dances, supporting school fund-raisers, participating in school spirit activities, and sponsoring clubs such as S.A.D.D. and campus security patrols.

Parent Education

Parents frequently have questions about the law on truancy, drugs, child abuse and many other topics.  The S.R.O. stands ready to assist  in answering all questions.  When numerous parents share a common concern, school resource officers will offer parent forums to address concerns.  School resource officers also make presentations to parent/teacher associations and organizations on a wide range of topics.

The “Resource” Officer

The school resource officer also serves as a strong resource to the faculty and staff at the school by being available to answer questions and provide assistance on a variety of issues.  Helping law enforcement officers from other units and agencies is yet another way these deputies serve as a  resource.  Information gathered by the school resource officer about crimes in the community has resulted in many types of cases being solved and thousands of dollars in stolen property being recovered.