School Resource Officers

Wayne County Sheriff Larry M. Pierce has expanded the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program to cover more schools at least on a part time basis, if not full time. 

It is a very important job that assists in the protection of our most valuable asset, young minds and bodies.

Responsibilities of the School Resource Officer (SRO):

The School Resource Officer as a sworn officer assigned to a school on a long-term basis trained to perform three major roles:  law enforcement officer, law-related counselor and law-related educator.  In addition, the officer works in collaboration with the school and the community as a resource for safety and security issues.

As a law enforcement officer, the school becomes the officer's beat.  The SRO assists the school administration in maintaining a safe and secure environment.  School administrators benefit from the SRO's training, knowledge and experience is handling situations involving possible weapons violations or in the identification of controlled dangerous substances.  The SRO provides a highly visible presence to deter or identify trespassers on campus.  In addition, SRO's provide a service to the surrounding community by addressing concerns such as loitering, speeding or loud car radios.  The students when going to or from school often generate these types of community complaints.

SRO's are responsible for investigating violations of criminal law and when appropriate make arrests.  A SRO's sworn duty to enforce the law does not contradict the need for the SRO to be positive role model-- it in fact supports it.  It is essential for a SRO to endorse high moral standards and use good judgment and discretion.  Through this, students learn and understand what a professional police officer does.