What Is a School Resource Officer (SRO)?

• Responsibilities of a SRO
• SRO Training & Certificates
• How to Become a SRO
• SRO vs Security Guards
• Benefits of SRO’s
• What to look for in an SRO

Gun violence incidents have been setting records every year since 2008, and over 36% of learners experience a school fight with their peers annually. School safety is on everyone’s minds. Many educational institutions prioritize SROs and security guards as part of their school violence prevention strategies. In 2021 alone, 44.8% of public schools had sworn law enforcement officers, including SROs, carrying firearms.

While the role of school resource officers has changed over the years, one thing remains constant — they continue to mentor students and help keep schools safe. Their model is one of community policing in schools, involving local partnerships with public entities to bring more resources into school safety initiatives. If you’re considering hiring or becoming an SRO, the first step is gathering as much information as possible about their responsibilities.

What Are the Responsibilities of a School Resource Officer?

A school resource officer is a sworn law enforcement officer who works in a school, either part-time or full-time. They have the power to arrest others, and many carry firearms. SROs are primarily tasked with ensuring safety and preventing crimes in schools. Their presence is essential for responding to calls, acting quickly in emergencies and apprehending persons of interest.

The school becomes the SRO’s patrol. As a law enforcement officer, they assist the administration in providing a safe and secure environment. Some typical SRO duties include:

• Ensure compliance with the law: SROs have the expertise to help the school adhere to laws and regulations. They enforce disciplinary roles and conduct investigations if required.
• Maintain campus safety: An SRO’s role includes ensuring safe school premises. They manage access to the school, conduct routine safety checks and respond immediately to incidents.
• Mentor and counsel students: Besides their security responsibilities, resource officers may conduct counseling sessions, mentor students and offer guidance on safety and security matters.
• Mediate conflict: Guidance counselors may call upon the SRO to mediate conflict. Parents may ask for advice, and students may turn to the SRO to discuss their issues.
• Educate students: SROs can be a resource for faculty, sharing their experience and expertise as guest speakers. They can give students real-life examples of how the justice system works and offer safety tips.
• Liaise with security personnel: An SRO will collaborate with security personnel on crisis intervention, security drills and safety plans.
• Collaborate with mental health professionals: SROs often work closely with counselors and other professionals to address students’ needs. This collaborative approach helps students feel safe by addressing their physical and psychological well-being. 
• Understand the legal framework: SROs must navigate a complex legal landscape. They need to understand student rights, the legal implications of their actions and the appropriate use of force.
• Promote digital safety: In addition to physical security, SROs can educate students about cyberbullying prevention and responsible social media use.

SRO Training and Certifications

An SRO and police officer receive much of the same training, though requirements for SRO training vary by state. One significant difference is that an SRO has more targeted training in working with youths.

SROs undergo basic training, especially if they carry firearms. Many also complete the Basic School Resource Officer course provided by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). Many also take the advanced SRO course and other optional education alternatives. Depending on the state, they may also need to attend annual in-service training to ensure they stay on top of school security.

How to Become a School Resource Officer

Anyone passionate about student safety can look at an SRO career. If you’re considering it, you must meet fundamental law enforcement requirements before specializing in school-based police work. They include:

• State-certified police academy program: Officers must graduate from an accredited law enforcement academy. 
• State law enforcement certification: You must maintain accreditation from your state’s law enforcement standards board, demonstrating your ongoing commitment. 
• Clean disciplinary record: You should have a record free from severe disciplinary actions or ethical violations. 
• Minimum patrol experience: Prior experience with community policing in schools is highly recommended. It helps you develop the judgment and skills necessary for the school environment.
• Drug screening: You may undergo regular drug tests. 
• Physical requirements: You must meet and maintain specific physical standards to ensure you can respond to situations that may arise on the job.

Many SROs continue their professional development once they’ve met the above requirements. They build on their fundamental training with courses in school law, teen development, cultural awareness, teaching skills and de-escalation techniques.

What Skills Do You Need to Become an SRO?

In addition to fundamental training, you need the following skills to become an SRO or security guard: 

• Communication and collaboration: SROs serve as liaisons between students, faculty and law enforcement. They must also educate students and faculty on security protocols and possibly speak to large groups.
• Problem-solving: Security personnel and SROs often encounter unique challenges. They must analyze situations promptly and make reasonable decisions.
• Physical fitness: SROs and security guards should have adequate stamina and strength. They may spend extended periods on their feet and must respond effectively in emergencies.

Where Security Guards Fit in: The Differences Between School Resource Officers and School Security Guards

Law enforcement in schools requires collaboration between SROs and security personnel. Together, they maintain order, prevent crime and ensure student safety. A combination of security staff sets the standard for protecting staff and students.

• Unarmed guards: Unarmed guards have extensive training in monitoring and crisis intervention. They are an effective deterrent and respond quickly in emergencies.

• Armed guards: Having armed guards on campus provides the ultimate peace of mind. They undergo comprehensive training and ongoing professional development. Like unarmed guards, they quickly deter any criminal activity. 

Security personnel monitor access points and conduct routine safety checks to identify potential hazards. In an emergency, a single SRO can only accomplish so much. With security guards, emergency response is swift and coordinated. SROs collaborate with security personnel to create and maintain comprehensive security protocols, keeping the school community safe. 

Some education institutions prefer security guards to SROs, as their use is not systematically related to student arrests or suspension rates, which can be the case with SROs. Security guards also have extensive training in appropriate responses in an educational environment. 

The Benefits of School Resource Officers and Security Personnel 

If you work in education, you likely understand the impact of school resource officers on student behavior. When students feel safe, they are more likely to be engaged in their studies, participate in extracurricular activities and focus on their goals. In addition, a visible security presence can reduce behavioral issues within your school.

SROs’ role in today’s education landscape is far more versatile than security alone. School resource officers improve school safety in the following ways:

Immediate Emergency Response

The speed of emergency response can mean the difference between life and death in school incident outcomes. An SRO gives you an immediate, trained response to emergencies, potentially saving lives. They work with your security guards to bring their professional judgment to high-stress situations. Their ability to evaluate threats, coordinate with law enforcement and maintain safety on-site is invaluable.

Meaningful Student Intervention

An SRO also serves as a student resource officer. They patrol the school and interact with students daily, which allows them to form relationships with them. Their training allows them to identify issues before they become significant problems. Through their training in student mental health and human behavior, they can recognize warning signs and intervene, taking a preventive approach to safety and security.

Both security guards and SROs serve as mentors for your students, helping to create a positive and safety-focused learning culture. Their daily interactions with students lead to guidance and positive relationships. In addition to mentorship, these professionals deliver safety education, support at-risk students and guide those who want careers in law enforcement.

Professional Security Expertise

Schools, universities and other educational buildings are often vast and complex. SROs and security personnel bring law enforcement expertise directly into the learning environment, elevating your security posture. These seasoned professionals become particularly valuable when you want to update your security systems, policy or compliance. They’ll work with you to develop comprehensive security protocols and train your staff in emergency response procedures.

Increased Trust and Reporting

SROs foster trust and open the lines of communication between staff, students and law enforcement. When your faculty and students understand how law enforcement professionals work, they become more comfortable reporting issues or asking for help. Over time, their openness helps mediate student conflict and nip any problems in the bud, making your school safer.

This trust in your school encourages a culture of accountability and responsibility among the students. When they see their SRO as an approachable authority rather than an enforcer, they’re more likely to ask for help when needed. In addition to enhancing school safety, SROs often help create a supportive community where students feel valued and understood.

What to Look for in an SRO or Security Team

Investing in your school’s security makes you want to work with the right team. Keep the following in mind when hiring an SRO or security team:

Conduct a Security Assessment

You can only address your risks on campus if you know about them. Before you hire any security personnel, get a professional assessment on your campus to identify the most significant risks. You can address security risks with surveillance and access control technology. Work with your SRO or security team to address any risks and get maximum value for your investment.

Ask About Training and Experience

Security guards and SROs must have the training and experience to safeguard your school effectively. In response to the growing demand for school security, many security guards take courses designed with school deployment in mind. You can hire specialized personnel to keep your campus secure.

Look for SROs and guards with experience in the educational space and a passion for professional development. You can also ask about their training in crisis intervention, conflict resolution and mental health awareness.

Establish Relevant Criteria

Every learning institution is different, so you may have unique requirements for your SRO. Work with school leaders and other stakeholders to develop criteria for your future hire. Some of the core qualities candidates need could include:

• Experience teaching and engaging with youths: Candidates should demonstrate their ability to connect with students. They should create an environment where students feel comfortable approaching them or reporting incidents. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Effective communication is essential for building trust with students and faculty. Candidates should also be able to mediate conflict effectively.
• Previous experience as a patrol officer: Patrol experience enhances an SRO’s ability to quickly assess and respond to situations. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team: SROs and security guards must collaborate with school staff while being self-sufficient and making critical decisions in emergencies. 
• Knowledge of legal education issues: Understanding the legal landscape in education is crucial to maintaining compliance and protecting the rights of students and staff.
• Sound understanding of child development and psychology: SROs with an understanding of child psychology can connect better with students and address their needs more effectively.
• Knowledge of security technology and implementation: Technology is a massive part of school security, from access control to CCTV cameras. Candidates familiar with the latest security tools and systems can enhance safety measures within your budget.

Foster a Safe and Positive School Climate With the Guard Alliance

While an SRO is a highly valuable member of your school community, you need more than one person on-site to safeguard your students. At the Guard Alliance, we understand the value of reliable security in education. We’ll do what it takes to reduce the risks, and our armed and unarmed guards are highly trained to protect against shootings, fights, riots and other threats.

The sight of our security guards is often enough to deter perpetrators from attempting any criminal activity. Having them at your school also gives your staff, students and SRO peace of mind. They’ll know that skilled professionals are there to keep them safe.

We’ll start by conducting a thorough risk assessment of your school, identifying the most vulnerable areas and providing a plan to safeguard them. Make your school a safer place. Contact The Guard Alliance today!