5142.4 - Student Safety - School Resource Officer

5142.4

Students

Safety

School Resource Officer

In order to make schools more orderly, safer and secure, the district may employ police officers to deliver security services as school resources officers (SROs).

The utilization of school resource officers in district schools is to accomplish the following goals:

1.      Provide a safe learning environment and help reduce school violence.

2.      Improve school/law enforcement collaboration.

3.      Improve perceptions and relations among students, staff, and law enforcement officials.

4.      Collaborate with designated members of the school and District staff and with local law enforcement, fire service, public safety and emergency management agencies, and parents/guardians in the development of school safety/crisis plans.

Additionally, School Resource Officers may be involved in:

•         Investigating and documenting specific incidents;

•         Assisting in identifying, intervening and communicating with at-risk students;

•         Provision of crime prevention education;

•         Promoting a positive student attitude towards law enforcement;

•         Operating as a liaison between the community and the District.

The Superintendent of Schools will develop administrative regulations as necessary to implement this policy.

The Board shall enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local police department that defines the officer's role and responsibilities. The MOA must address daily interactions among students, school personnel, and police officers, and must include a graduated response model for student discipline. It shall also include a provision requiring all school resource officers to complete, while in the performance of their duties as school resource officers, and during periods when such officers are assigned to be at the school, any separate training specifically related to social-emotional learning and restorative practices provided to district certified employees.

The Board will work in cooperation with the law enforcement agency/police department in the placement of school resource officers in its high/middle/elementary schools.  The objectives and qualifications of resource officers will be determined by the police department and shall be subject to approval by the Board.

(cf. 5114 - Suspension/Expulsion; Student Due Process)
(cf. 5131 - Student Conduct)
(cf. 5131.2 - Assault)
(cf. 5131.21 - Terrorist Acts/Threats)
(cf. 5131.4 - School Grounds Disturbances)
(cf. 5131.41 - In-School Disturbances)
(cf. 5131.5 - Vandalism)
(cf. 5131.6 - Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol)
(cf. 5131.61 - Inhalant Abuse)
(cf. 5131.612 - Surrender of Physical Evidenced Obtained from Students)
(cf. 5131.7 - Weapons and Dangerous Instruments)
(cf. 5131.8 - Off School Grounds Misconduct)
(cf. 5131.9 - Gang Activity or Association)
(cf. 5141.6 - Crisis Management)
(cf. 5142 - Safety)
(cf. 5144 - Use of Physical Force)
(cf. 5145.11 - Questioning and Apprehension)
(cf. 5145.12 - Search and Seizure)
(cf. 5145.121 - Vehicle Searches on School Grounds)

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes

4-176e through 4-180a. Contested Cases. Notice. Record.

10-220 Duties of boards of education.

10-233a through 10-233f. Suspension, removal and expulsion of students, as amended by PA 95-304, PA 96-244, and PA 98-139.

53a-3 Definitions.

53a-217b Possession of Firearms and Deadly Weapons on School Grounds.

PA 94-221 An Act Concerning School Discipline and Safety.

GOALS 2000: Educate America Act, Pub. L. 103-227.

18 U.S.C. 921 Definitions.

Title III - Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Sec. 314 (Local Control Over Violence)

Elementary and Secondary Act of 1965 as amended by the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994.

P.L. 105-17 The Individuals with Disabilities Act, Amendment of 1997.

Kyle P. Packer PPA Jane Packer v. Thomaston Board of Education.

Policy Adopted:  April 26, 2018                

Revised:  August 29, 2024                                Windsor Locks Board of Education