With students returning to school after the winter break and we step into a new year, importanttopics of discussion have naturally followed us into 2025. One such topic is the role of school resource officers in schools. Some believe their presence is essential for maintaining safety, while others raise concerns about the potential for over-policing and the risk of criminalizing student misbehavior. This is an important conversation, and it is essential to approach it with both a localized understanding and a focus on the realities we face.
In Rhode Island, we are mindful of the concerns regarding this topic and we have implemented a model for SRO programs that ensures these officers support student well-being and school safety. Our SROs undergo rigorous training, including National Association of School Resource Officers certification, which emphasizes child development and de-escalation techniques. Their roles are clearly defined through guidelines, memoranda of understanding and department policies, ensuring they are focused on safety and prevention of crises rather than routine discipline.
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. SROs work closely with school administrators, social workers and therapists to identify students in crisis before they pose a threat to themselves or the school community. They participate in district threat assessment teams, where multidisciplinary expertise is used to support at-risk students.
Importantly, enforcement is a last resort. We recognize the risks of the school-to-prison pipeline and deliberately avoid criminalizing minor infractions. We encourage schools to handle minor violations, such as possession of small amounts of narcotics or disorderly conduct, through internal measures rather than law enforcement.
While it is impossible to know how many times violence was deterred because of the presence of an SRO, we do have numerous examples where their presence minimized violence including an incident in 2018, where an SRO at Dixon High School in Illinois stopped an active shooter before anyone was harmed. To be clear, SROs are not intended to replace counselors or social workers. Instead, they complement these roles, handling immediate threats while collaborating with educators to create a safer school environment. Removing SROs entirely risks leaving schools vulnerable during critical moments when swift intervention is needed.
One of the most profound ways SROs impact the youth is by serving as mentors and educators. Here in Rhode Island, SROs build positive relationships with students, earning their trust and becoming approachable figures who can guide them toward better choices. Through proactive efforts, including mentoring at-risk youth, SROs help steer students away from destructive paths, addressing safety and personal growth simultaneously.
Our SRO structure in Rhode Island demonstrates that, when properly structured and supported, school resource officers can be an integral part of fostering safe, supportive and inclusive school environments. Dismissing their role entirely ignores the progress we’ve made and the potential for further positive impact.
Col. Bradford E. Connor is president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association.
Supporting School Resource Officers: A Vital Presence in Our Schools
There is no question that the role of school resource officers (SROs) in schools is a topic of ongoing debate. Some believe their presence is essential for maintaining safety, while others raise concerns about the potential for over-policing and the risk of criminalizing student behavior. This is a valid and important conversation, and it is essential to approach it with both understanding and a focus on the realities we face.
In Rhode Island, we recognize that the role of an SRO is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our state’s approach to SROs is built on collaboration, training, and a clear focus on student well-being. While there may be mixed opinions on their presence in schools, there is no denying the positive impact these officers have in creating a safe and supportive environment for students, educators, and communities.
The first and most critical role of an SRO is ensuring the safety of students and staff. School shootings, while tragic and rare, are a harsh reminder of the need for immediate response capabilities. In Rhode Island, our SROs are highly trained, receiving certification from the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) and ongoing professional development. Their primary duty is not to discipline students but to be a first line of defense in preventing violence, intervening during critical moments, and providing support in crisis situations.
But their role goes beyond just law enforcement. SROs in our state work hand-in-hand with school administrators, social workers, and mental health professionals to identify students who may be struggling emotionally or socially before a crisis arises. This collaborative approach is vital to creating an environment where safety is not just about stopping violence but preventing it altogether. Our SROs are not isolated from the community but part of a larger team that seeks to address students' needs holistically. They are embedded in the school culture, ensuring that their presence doesn’t undermine students' trust, but instead reinforces a sense of security and support.
One of the most profound ways SROs impact students is by serving as mentors and confidants. These officers are more than just figures of authority; they are trusted adults in a school environment where many students may not have positive role models at home. By developing relationships with students, SROs offer guidance, support, and a listening ear when students face challenges. Whether it’s helping a student navigate difficult personal circumstances or simply being there to talk, SROs are often a key resource for students in need of guidance.
Moreover, the presence of SROs in schools has the added benefit of shaping how young people view law enforcement. For many students, especially those from marginalized communities, their perception of police officers may be influenced by negative stereotypes or media portrayals. Through positive, supportive interactions with SROs, students gain a more nuanced understanding of law enforcement, seeing officers as allies, mentors, and positive figures in their lives. This fosters a generation of young people who understand that law enforcement is about protection, service, and community, not simply punishment or authority.
Critically, we understand that enforcement is always a last resort. In Rhode Island, we work to ensure that SROs are not tasked with routine school discipline, which is better handled by administrators and educators. We recognize the risks of the school-to-prison pipeline and are committed to addressing minor infractions through internal school measures rather than law enforcement intervention. SROs focus on creating a safe and welcoming environment, where students can learn and grow without fear of being criminalized for minor mistakes.
Ultimately, the presence of SROs in schools is not about replacing educators or counselors; it’s about complementing their efforts. It’s about providing a critical layer of safety and support when students need it most. We can acknowledge that there are valid concerns about how SROs are used in some contexts, but it is clear that, when implemented thoughtfully, these officers play a crucial role in the well-being of students and the overall safety of our schools.
The work of SROs in Rhode Island serves as a testament to the positive impact these officers can have. They are more than just protectors of our schools—they are mentors, advocates, and vital partners in ensuring our students have the opportunities, support, and safety they need to succeed. While opinions may vary, one thing remains clear: the critical role SROs play in our schools is one that we cannot afford to overlook. Their service is a necessary part of shaping the next generation and ensuring that every student has the chance to thrive.
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