Police Officers Return to Public Schools to Enhance Safety, Mentorship

(PSS) — The Public School System has reestablished its partnership with the Department of Public Safety to reintegrate uniformed police officers into schools throughout Saipan, and soon in Tinian and Rota. This initiative, which combines law enforcement presence with mentorship, is designed to create a secure environment conducive to effective learning.

The program’s relaunch comes in preparation for the reopening of public schools on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

The memorandum of understanding, signed in May by Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho and DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas, marks a renewed commitment to a program that had been inactive for nearly seven years. Previously, in 2018, DPS deployed 22 police officers to high schools with a focus on safety and mentorship. This revival aims to expand that model to include middle schools.

On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Camacho, through the collaborative leadership of Family Engagement and Community Involvement Director Liela Yumul, Student Support Services – Counseling Program Manager Dr. Paulette Tomokane, and Marianas High School Principal Melanie Rdiall, led the onboarding and professional development of police officers who will serve as school resource officers or SROs for all middle and high schools on Saipan. The officers were introduced to their assigned schools by DPS Commissioner Macaranas.

“This partnership reflects a mutual understanding that safety and education go hand in hand,” Camacho said during the May 22 MOU signing ceremony. He emphasized that the agreement lays the groundwork for enhanced communication and collaboration focused on community-centered school safety.

As schools confront challenges involving students, the presence of SROs is intended to provide reassurance and support. Commissioner Macaranas, at the MOU signing, highlighted the dual role of these officers, stating: “This initiative is not just about safety; it also encompasses mentorship for the students. The officers will be instrumental in building trust and fostering positive relationships with youth, which is crucial in today’s complex societal landscape.”

The revival of this program comes at a pivotal moment, as communities face increasing pressures. The reintroduction of SROs aims to cultivate a nurturing environment where students can focus on their education. “Our job is to create an atmosphere where they can concentrate on learning without distractions,” Camacho added.

With the new school year opening on Tuesday, both leaders expressed optimism about the program’s impact. “Our goal is to enhance the visibility of police officers in schools, bringing a sense of relief to students, staff, and the surrounding communities. Together, we are ensuring that student safety remains a priority and that mentorship is an integral part of their school experience,” Commissioner Macaranas said.

Roles of school resource officers

During the onboarding session, Camacho welcomed nine police officers/SROs, while Principal Rdiall presented their roles and functions. The officers will be assigned to:

Kagman High School

Chacha Oceanview Middle School

Dandan Middle School

Francisco M. Sablan Middle School

Marianas High School

Tanapag Middle School

Admiral Herbert G. Hopwood Middle School

Saipan Southern High School

Da’ok Academy

According to Rdiall, SROs typically combine law enforcement, safety, and education roles. 

These include:

• Enforcing laws on campus and addressing criminal activity (e.g., theft, vandalism, assault);

• Responding to emergencies, threats, or crises on school grounds;

• Assisting with traffic safety during school arrival and dismissal;

• Coordinating with local police for investigations involving students or school property;

• Allowing school administrators to handle discipline issues, with intakes only when charges are pressed (e.g., school fights);

• Developing and implementing school safety plans, including lockdown and evacuation procedures;

• Maintaining an emergency folder at all times;

• Monitoring school grounds to maintain a safe environment;

• Participating in threat assessments and crisis response teams;

• Preventing violence, bullying, and drug use through visibility and presence;

• Participating in emergency drills: lockdown, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and reunification;

• Serving on the School Emergency Response Team;

• Acting as the first responder on campus for law enforcement-related incidents

• Serving as liaison between the school and external agencies (police, fire, EMS);

• Supporting incident command until relieved by higher-ranking officials; and

• Working with administrators to ensure emergency protocols are followed and adapted as needed.

This initiative underscores that safety is not merely a response to crime but a proactive approach to nurturing a healthy educational environment. The collaboration between PSS and DPS seeks to ensure that students feel secure, enabling them to thrive both academically and socially. (PRESS RELEASE)