School Resource Officer
School Resource Officer
A yearly grant obtained by the Washington Community School Corporation has afforded the opportunity for the City of Washington to work together with the school cooperation in the implementation of a full-time School Resource Officer. The increased visibility and accessibility of police within the school community aids to build working relationships with the school’s staff as well as with student and parent groups. The presence of a School Resource Officer also helps provide a safe school environment by deterring criminal or delinquent activities.
The School Resource Officer program enables the Washington Police Department to facilitate and foster positive relationships between police officers and students, along with school administrators and other school staff. The School Resource Officer works with guidance counselors and other student support staff to assist students and to provide services to students involved in situations where referrals to service agencies are necessary. Thus, providing the school system as an additional resource to assist in conflict resolution efforts.
The School Resource Officer works to prevent juvenile delinquency through close contact and positive relationships with students. However, when necessary the School Resource Officer does investigate allegations of criminal incidents that occur on school grounds along with areas adjacent to the schools within the Washington School Corporation. As an investigation proceeds the School Resource Officer makes appropriate referrals to juvenile authorities or other governmental agencies.
