School Resource Officers

The primary function of the School Resource Officers is to maintain a safe, orderly, and secure atmosphere at the school.

The major responsibilities of the School Resource Officers:

Law Enforcement on campus Educational Programs Public Relations Guidance Services
The School Resource Officers at the High School are Officer Jack Goleman (left) and Officer Jerry Stringer (right).
The School Resource Officer at Kerr Middle School is Officer Randy Hicks (left). The School Resource Officer at Hughes Middle School is Officer Johnny Schumacher (right).

Program Philosophy

One of the main reasons for having uniformed officers on a school campus is to offer students the opportunity to become personally acquainted with the police officer. The relationship fostered between the uniformed officer and secondary school students can generate respect, trust, and appreciation for all police officers. This also breaks down the negative stereotype many teenagers have of the police. The uniformed officer who is trained, understanding, fair and sincere can build good rapport between students and the police.

The SRO is not located on school campuses to serve as a school official. School affairs are to be supervised by designated school personnel. The SRO assigned to the school should be available for advice, assistance and consultation. However, those matters which are the exclusive concern of the school administration should be referred rather than handled by the officer. Infractions of school rules, as opposed to violations of the law, will normally be handled by school officials. By maintaining this clear distinction of jurisdiction, not be undermined by the program. The school disciplinary process should be able to function without police interference.

Conclusion

The School Resource Officer Program is designed to facilitate student pride toward the school, assist the school administration in maintaining an atmosphere conducive to learning and provide professional police services in an informative and educational manner to the district. It is important to realize that the officer has been placed in the school to help maintain a safe, orderly, and secure atmosphere for learning. But equally important, he is there to act as a resource person, to assist any student or educator with the resolution of problems coming within the purview of the officer. Whenever problems occur at school, the officer is immediately available to take the needed action.

To contact a School Resource Officer call:

817-447-5300 Ext. 314 or 346 (for Burleson High School)
817-447-5300 Ext. 324 (for Kerr Middle School)
817-447-5300 Ext. 338 (for Hughes Middle School)

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