In Newport News, all middle and high schools have an assigned full-time School Resource Officer who is a sworn police officer.
First, and foremost, SROs are there to protect the children in our community by providing a safe learning environment. With the epidemic of violence in schools nationwide, officers must work diligently with educators to keep our children safe and our parents reassured. A strong partnership is essential to create and support safe schools and maintain effective school-based policing programs.
SROs act as role models, and they also help foster positive relationships for students. They're also available to just talk when things might not be going so well. And, they serve as a critical resource for school staff. All of this is done in the hopes of equipping the children with the skills necessary for them to reach their fullest potential as they move through life.
Juvenile delinquency, or crime, and truancy are always concerns, and SROs work to help to reduce its occurrence through early-intervention activities in the schools. They provide education regarding these issues, either in a group setting or on a one-on-one basis.