School Resource Officers
We all know drug and violence problems are beginning earlier & earlier. As a result, many school districts want to find a way to deescalate situations before they explode.
That's why Broome County is making it easier for local schools to hire School Resource Officers (SRO). These retired law officers will work in the schools, educating kids, and building relationships, in an effort to reduce future problems. While they will have full police officer powers, they'll wear a reduced uniform, such as a polo shirt and dress pants, and they'll work to maintain the peace, rather than make arrests.
Generally SRO's are extremely expensive to hire (approximately $100,000 per year). However, thanks to Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell, we've found a way to significantly reduce that cost.
The program is a voluntary partnership between any local school district and Broome County.
Each school district decides if they'd like to hire an SRO and if they do, then the county and the school district work together to find, interview, hire, and train the officer. Only well-qualified, retired police officers who have maintained all their certifications, are eligible. The SRO's receives their salary from the county, however, it is the school district who grants this money to Broome County to pay that salary. The best part is, that school districts will be able to hire SRO's for only $20,000 - $40,000 per year.
This program was asked for by local school boards and superintendents. It's not something we're forcing school districts to do - they're welcome to participate if they'd like.
I'm a firm believer in local control of education and this program maintains that control.
Some of you may be wondering about Maine-Endwell and Union-Endicott schools. Well, I'm happy to report that MEl already has an SRO that they love and UE is considering hiring one or more SRO's through this program.
I"m happy that we're able to find a way to bring SRO's to more local schools.
That's why Broome County is making it easier for local schools to hire School Resource Officers (SRO). These retired law officers will work in the schools, educating kids, and building relationships, in an effort to reduce future problems. While they will have full police officer powers, they'll wear a reduced uniform, such as a polo shirt and dress pants, and they'll work to maintain the peace, rather than make arrests.
Generally SRO's are extremely expensive to hire (approximately $100,000 per year). However, thanks to Broome County District Attorney Steve Cornwell, we've found a way to significantly reduce that cost.
The program is a voluntary partnership between any local school district and Broome County.
Each school district decides if they'd like to hire an SRO and if they do, then the county and the school district work together to find, interview, hire, and train the officer. Only well-qualified, retired police officers who have maintained all their certifications, are eligible. The SRO's receives their salary from the county, however, it is the school district who grants this money to Broome County to pay that salary. The best part is, that school districts will be able to hire SRO's for only $20,000 - $40,000 per year.
This program was asked for by local school boards and superintendents. It's not something we're forcing school districts to do - they're welcome to participate if they'd like.
I'm a firm believer in local control of education and this program maintains that control.
Some of you may be wondering about Maine-Endwell and Union-Endicott schools. Well, I'm happy to report that MEl already has an SRO that they love and UE is considering hiring one or more SRO's through this program.
I"m happy that we're able to find a way to bring SRO's to more local schools.