Basic School Resource Officer Course 

 

The Saint Paul Police Professional Development Institute (PDI) is sponsoring a 5-day course titled BASIC SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER.

 

To register: go to www.nasro.org and find the class on the training calendar.  If you have any questions, please call the Saint Paul Police Department Professional Development Institute at (651) 266-5652 or email: sppd.pdi@gmail.com

The Basic School Resource Officer Course is a forty-hour block of instruction designed for any law enforcement officer with two years or less experience working in an educational environment. A law enforcement officer in this liaison position is commonly referred to as a School Resource Officer. The course emphasizes three main areas of instruction: functioning as a police officer in the school setting, working as a resource and problem solver, and the development of teaching skills. Attendees will be given a working knowledge of the School Resource Officer concept and how to establish a lasting partnership with their schools.

The course is taught on a five day, eight hour format. Classes begin promptly at 8:00 am each morning and run through 5:00 pm each afternoon. Officers are required to attend all sessions in order to obtain the National School Resource Officer Basic Course Certificate. There is a written examination, multiple discussions, and at least one graded practical exercise for each student.

Course Outline

Day One

The course begins with an extensive overview of school based police programs and the History of the SRO Program. Time is spent discussing the Roles and Responsibilities of a school based police officer and integrating that officer into his or her school community. Attendees will be taught the Triad Concept reminding them that the SRO needs to balance the role of law enforcement officer with that of a counselor and educator. The remainder of the day is spent preparing the SRO for Public Speaking and Classroom Preparedness. An explanation of Law Related Education will cover the main objective for an SRO's educational program. The officer will be required to participate in a brief public speaking exercise.

• History of School Based Policing
• The SRO Program: Triad Concept
• Roles and Responsibilities of the SRO
• Being a Positive Role Model
• Public Speaking
• Law Related Education

Day Two

The attendee will spend a major portion of the day developing those skills necessary for their role as a teacher. Instructional Techniques and Teaching Skills are covered as well as time for Lesson Plan Development. NASRO does not supply a pre-packaged curriculum, but rather emphasizes the skills necessary to create individual lessons and curriculum based on the needs of the schools served. By sharing classroom scenarios and student personalities, the attendees will understand the need for proper Classroom Management. Time will be allowed at the conclusion of the day for attendees to research and prepare individual lesson plans.

• Instructional Techniques
• Classroom Management
• Lesson Plan Development
• Preparation Time

Day Three

The role of "counselor or problem solver" is probably one of the most important roles the School Resource Officer will assume for their school. The attendee will have an opportunity to role-play and contribute experiences as a law enforcement officer. The class will then start the transition to problem solver within the school and working with adolescents. Additional topics emphasizing the adolescent and potential problem areas include discussions on Child Abuse, Adolescent Stress, Dysfunctional Families, and working with Children with Special Needs.

• Counseling
• Adolescent Emotional Issues
• Child Abuse
• Dysfunctional Families
• Special Education

Day Four

School Safety focuses on the SRO's role as both a resource provider and law enforcement officer. This includes maintaining a safe school environment and a broad discussion on topics related to school safety including handling assaults, theft, burglary, bomb threats, weapons, alcohol and drug incidents. Complementing school safety issues is a block of instruction on Emergency Management or "Crisis Planning". The course will examine the main points of a school crisis plan and discuss the SRO's responsibilities during a crisis or potentially dangerous incident.

• School Safety Procedures
• Emergency Management
• Crime Prevention
• Substance Abuse
•  School Law
• Course Review
• Final Examination

Day Five

Crime Prevention is an integral part of a School Resource Officer's role in the schools. Time is spent examining ways the SRO can be a resource in the area of Crime Prevention with special emphasis on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. A block of information on Substance Abuse issues is covered as well as an important discussion on School Related Law. A course review takes place before a final, written exam is administered and course certificates are issued.