SUMMARY:

The School Resource Officer (SRO) is responsible for dealing with criminal law issues and for improving the safety and educational climate within the district. The SRO is not responsible for enforcing school discipline or punishing students.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of knowledge, skills, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a licensed Missouri Peace Officer.
• Be a commissioned law enforcement officer and have taken the forty-hour basic School Resource Officer Training as defined in § 168.450, RSMo, including legal operations within an educational environment, intruder training and planning, juvenile law, and any other relevant topics relating to the job and functions of a school resource officer.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Language

This position requires strong written and verbal communications skills. The individual who holds this position must:

• Have sufficient reading skills to interpret reports and apply Board policy and administrative procedures.
• Have listening skills sufficient to receive inquiries and complaints and respond accordingly.
• Have the ability to make effective presentations to the Board, staff, and school community.

Computation

• Ability to do basic mathematical calculations and apply concepts.

Reasoning

• Ability to define problems, collect data, verify facts, make valid conclusions, and deal with abstract concepts.

Technology

• This position requires basic skills in the use of computers and hand-held devices such as two-way radios and smartphones.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff at schools within the district and provide them with a safe and secure learning environment.
• Report directly to Superintendent(s) and maintain an accurate accounting of cases worked, training received, number and type of presentations made and to whom, overtime worked, special details, and all other information worthy of reporting. The SRO will submit a monthly activity report to the appropriate district administrator.
• Provide consulting advice to district administration on the district’s Emergency Operations Plan, emergency preparedness, traffic flow, evacuation, lighting, and video surveillance and other relevant security and safety issues.
• Provide training to students, faculty, administration, and other community groups regarding safety issues such as personal safety, gun safety, bus safety, and drug and gang awareness.
• Coordinate security for extracurricular events as needed. Attend extracurricular activities held at district schools to promote a positive relationship between students and law enforcement.
• Create and maintain case files of criminal acts by students.
• Create and maintain files of reports of abused or neglected children and share this information as required by law to district administration, social workers, agencies in law enforcement and the judicial system, and the Children’s Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services.
• Use discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Advise what law enforcement measures are appropriate when the district administrator or SRO believes an incident is a violation of the law.
• When necessary, make arrests on district property. Consider diversion opportunities for youth, rather than arrest or detention, when appropriate.
• Understand district policies regarding how to distinguish disciplinary infractions to be handled by school officials versus criminal activity that warrants SRO involvement.
• Review enforcement and investigative techniques at local schools and work with district personnel to provide in-service training to staff regarding crisis management and district security.
• Act swiftly and cooperatively when responding to disruptions and criminal offenses at school or on district property, such as: disorderly conduct by trespassers, the possession and/or use of weapons on campus, the possession, sale, distribution, or use of alcohol or controlled substances, rioting or dangerous demonstrations, serious acts of vandalism, etc.
• Make reports of criminal offenses as directed by the district and investigate such acts that may occur on district property.
• Provide direct intervention to children who are victims, witnesses, or perpetrators of violent crime.
• Participate in SRO program evaluation by providing data and assisting with analysis and recommendations through partnership meetings.
• Define safety and security measures, as needed, within district schools and buildings and assist with implementation.
• Conduct follow-up on any reports taken by patrol officers when appropriate.
• Establish a rapport between students, faculty, and parents while being available to students, parents, and faculty before, during, and after school.
• Encourage input from the school and community to inform ongoing policies that promote a safe and inclusive school environment.
• Train district personnel on the role of the SRO.
• Be a liaison for the district, police, and the community to keep all informed of activities of others who may be at risk or inclined to cause problems or commit crimes.
• Coordinate all activities with district administration and staff members who may be concerned and seek permission, guidance, and advice prior to enacting any program within the schools.
• Grow professionally through study and participation in professional activities, including recommended SRO training and continuing education.
• Other Duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:

• AM/PM supervision of transportation and home ball games as assigned