The role of School Resource Officers (SROs) has become more prevalent in recent years. According to a 2023 study, last year, there were 346 school shooting incidents across the country. With the rise of school shootings and intruder incidents, it is essential to understand the role of SROs and how they can enhance school security. 

SROs are sworn law enforcement officers responsible for school safety and crime prevention. A local police department, sheriff’s agency, or school system typically employs SROs who work closely with school administrators to create a safer environment. Below are three ways SROs enhance a school’s safety and security.

Law Enforcement Presence and Deterrence

According to a 2018 report, the number of school resource officers has exploded. In 2013, about 30 percent of schools had one, compared to 1 percent in 1975. One of the primary functions of school resource officers is to provide a visible law enforcement presence on school campuses. SROs may make rounds during classroom changes, drop off and pickup, and large events so they are seen and readily available. 

This presence deters potential threats such as intruders or individuals intending harm to students or faculty. Knowing that trained law enforcement officers are on-site can dissuade individuals from engaging in criminal activities on school grounds.

Building Positive Relationships

SROs often work closely with students, teachers, and administrators to build positive relationships within the school community. SROs may be available to talk in person with students during assemblies, career days, and sporting events. By interacting with students in non-threatening and approachable ways, SROs can establish trust and rapport. 

“Let students know that you are there not only to protect them but also to help them in any way you can,” stated Jerry Aponte, Chief Training Officer at Active Defender and an SRO for 12 years. “Two high school students told me they became Law Enforcement Officers after graduation because of my positive relationship with them.”

This trust can encourage students to report safety concerns or suspicious behavior to the SRO, fostering a safer school environment. Additionally, SROs can provide mentorship, guidance, and support to students, helping to address underlying issues that may contribute to safety concerns.

Training and Emergency Preparedness

SROs typically receive specialized training in school safety and crisis intervention techniques. The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASR) provides several training courses from Basic SRO to School Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED.) 

SROs can collaborate with school staff to develop and implement emergency response plans, conduct safety drills, and provide training sessions for students and faculty on active shooter scenarios, conflict resolution, and substance abuse prevention. By equipping school communities with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to emergencies, SROs help enhance overall safety and security within schools.

Who is Active Defender?

Active Defender’s School Safety Platform revolutionizes emergency alerting and communication and provides the most comprehensive situational awareness available during a crisis. With Active Defender, ALL staff can immediately know WHAT the threat is, WHERE it is, understand WHAT TO DO, and REPORT their STATUS on a custom, dynamic campus map on their mobile device.

To learn more, visit Active Defender or take the first step in enhancing your school’s safety today by booking an interactive demo!

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence is the capacity to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as empathize with others. These skills enable individuals to handle stress, communicate more effectively, overcome challenges, and resolve conflicts. The positive implications of EI in the field of education are numerous, ranging from stronger teacher-student relationships to enhanced classroom performance. Learn more about the basics of EI from this reputable source.

The Impact on Teacher Well-Being

Having high levels of EI not only leads to personal growth but also creates a safeguard against professional burnout. Teachers equipped with EI skills can navigate the various stressors encountered in the classroom, thus increasing their enthusiasm and dedication to the work. Studies, such as those conducted by Brackett et al., 2011, have found a tangible link between higher EI levels and reduced teacher burnout.

Benefits for Schools and Students

The ripple effects of Emotional Intelligence extend beyond the teachers to encompass the entire school environment. Teachers’ ability to build stronger relationships and manage classroom situations effectively leads to a more positive learning experience for students. A well-cited study by Pulido-Martos et al., 2016 further emphasizes the role of EI in achieving personal and professional goals.

Emotional Intelligence Training in Education

It is evident that Emotional Intelligence is not just a beneficial trait but a critical capacity that should be cultivated in teachers. Providing EI training in educational settings can lead to improved teaching practices and overall mental well-being. The outcomes include a healthier classroom environment, more engaged students, and happier, more resilient educators.

For schools interested in implementing Emotional Intelligence training, here are a few potential paths:

Workshops and Seminars: Collaborate with EI experts to conduct tailored workshops for faculty and staff.  Call us for references we can recommend in your area.

Online Courses: Consider online platforms offering Emotional Intelligence courses specifically designed for educators. Coursera has several options.

Ongoing Support: Create a support network within the school community that emphasizes Emotional Intelligence growth and mentorship.

Conclusion

Reducing teacher burnout is essential to fostering a thriving educational ecosystem. By embracing Emotional Intelligence training, we can empower our educators to navigate the complexities of modern teaching with grace and resilience.

For further exploration on this subject, please consider reading this report: Emotional Intelligence in Emergency Communication

Since implementing restorative justice, CVUSD’s suspension rates have dropped by around 25%, and fewer students have been referred to the juvenile justice system. However, students and teachers feel safety has been compromised and demand the return of law enforcement officers.

Research suggests that school resource officers can improve response times to incidents and perceptions of safety. But their presence often correlates with higher suspension rates and criminalization of students of color. This delicate balance has sparked disagreement among school board trustees, community members, and educators.

In February, hundreds of students protested, demanding better safety measures, including sheriff’s deputies in schools. The district responded with measures like installing temporary fencing and providing active shooter and de-escalation training. However, many community members insist on a law enforcement presence.

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm caused by crime and conflict, addressing behavioral issues’ root causes, and providing support. Implementation in CVUSD has been slow, falling largely on burdened teachers. Advocates argue that restorative justice can reduce suspension rates, juvenile justice referrals, and repeat offenses while improving academic performance, particularly for students of color disproportionately penalized by officials and law enforcement. This approach requires buy-in from staff, additional personnel, and commitment to reforming student behavior.

The debate over law enforcement in schools and restorative justice implementation highlights deeper questions about coming-of-age, discipline, and reform in America. Balancing the need for safety and investing in students’ emotional well-being is a challenging task for schools, particularly considering the shortage of counselors and student mental health supports in California schools.

As we navigate this complex issue, we invite you to join the conversation. How can we strike the right balance between ensuring school safety and providing students with the support they need? We want to hear your thoughts, experiences, and opinions.

Share your insights in the comments below. Let’s work together to create a more inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for our students. By engaging in open dialogue, we can explore potential solutions and work towards the common goal of fostering a safe & positive educational atmosphere.

#SchoolSafety #RestorativeJustice #CVUSD #EducationReform #LawEnforcement #StudentSupport

1) Peace of mind comes when all staff (not just first responders) know an alert’s location relative to where they are located so everyone will know which way to go and what to do.  

Imagine there is an emergency at a school or a business. Teachers identified that a top cause of stress and anxiety comes during emergencies when everyone knows there is a problem. Still, they are uncertain of the threat’s location relative to where they are located. How will they know which way to go or what to do if you don’t know where the danger is relative to where you are, and you are in an insecure location? The lack of information can result in people making bad decisions because they lack the information needed to make the right decisions.

Critical information becomes BAD information if it is delayed, requires repeating, or is not actionable:

Sirens
* Do not disseminate the nature or location of the problem.

Radios and Intercoms
* Requires lots of words to describe the emergency location.
* Depends on all staff members having access.
* Multiple people are trying to talk over one another.

Cameras
* Provide a fixed view for a limited number of people.
* No view for staff.

Door Lock Systems
* At any given time, some staff members are in insecure areas. They cannot move without the risk of being in harm’s way. {Cafeteria, Library, Gymnasium, etc.}

Alert Buttons & Texting Solution
* Does not identify an alert location seen at a distance.
* No visual map.
* If a staff member on the second floor spotted a shooter in the parking lot and pressed the alert button. Other staff members think the problem is on the second floor, and they might rush out into harm’s way. 

Active Defender uses GPS and GIS networked technology to provide every staff member with a real-time emergency map that removes the confusion. Everyone can report an emergency, and immediately, everyone can see the exact nature of the crisis and the exact reported emergency location on a map.  Everyone can know where to go and what to do regardless of the emergency. 

2) Teachers reported the need to quickly and easily register their status without giving away their position to perpetrators.  Many teachers said that their schools required them to place a red or a green card in the window or under the door to signify their status to school staff and responders. This was a great concern since it would signify someone in the room where they might be hiding.

We updated Active Defender to include panic buttons for instant notifications and to report the staff’s status instantly. They can mark themselves as OK or in need of help. A situational awareness map with live data provides the details to school administrators and responders. This not only provides peace of mind for the teachers but allows responders to know where to go and what to do quickly. The administrators and responders can also directly connect via voice or chat to the staff member reporting an alert.

3) Last but not least in our top three: was the fact that teachers and students reported: they would be sent alert messages that did not get their attention. Imagine someone trying to text you an alert message while you are driving. You have received several other text messages by the time you stop, and the vital alert message is buried in the stack. 

Active Defender 2022 allows the school administrator, school resource officer (SRO), or responder to send a message to one or a group of people as a CRITICAL ALERT MESSAGE. A critical alert message is the equivalent of a presidential alert, amber alert, or weather alert. This provides peace of mind to the teacher as now it is unmistakable that they have received a critical message, and often life-saving details will not be lost or delayed.

Learn more about Active Defender and set up a demo to see firsthand how it can provide peace of mind to your teachers and all your staff.

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