School Resource Officer

The mission of the School Resource Officer (SRO) unit is to ensure a safe learning environment for students, teachers, and school administrators. This is accomplished by serving as a resource for students, parents, and faculty; by informally counseling students and serving as a mentor; by serving as a positive role model for students; and by enforcing laws on and around school campuses. The SRO works to prevent and solve problems within our schools and foster positive relationships between our community’s youth and law enforcement

SROs are responsible for investigating violations of criminal law and when appropriate make arrests. A SROs sworn duty to enforce the law does not contradict the need for the SRO to be positive role model -- it in fact supports it. It is essential for a SRO to endorse high moral standards and use good judgment and discretion. Through this, students learn and understand what a professional police officer does.

It is important to note that SROs are not school disciplinarians. SROs should not be involved in investigating school rule violations: For example, a student cheating on a test. Violations of school rules are the responsibility of the principal and faculty. If a violation of a school rule is, also a criminal offense the SRO may conduct a concurrent investigation and take the appropriate action under the policies and procedures set forth by their police agency.

To contact a specific SRO, call the Lathrop Police Department at 209-647-6400.