School Resource Officer (SRO)

The purpose of a cooperative School District and Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) program is to increase safety within the schools and promote a positive environment where education can occur.

The Canby School District and the Canby Police Department share in the funding of the SRO position at Canby High School, as well as Baker Prairie Middle School and Canby Elementary Schools. During the summer months, the SRO works Patrol shifts or assists with the Detective Unit.

The SRO works in collaboration with school administrators, teachers and other faculty, and with parents to hold accountable, youth demonstrating disruptive behavior, criminal activity, and general at-risk conduct.

Role of the SRO

The department's SRO is a positive influence on the community's youth. The SRO assumes many roles, serving as a resource, confidant, mentor, and instructor.

The SRO also participates in many after school activities and functions such as sporting events, socials, music programs, Peer Court, and parades. SRO's are committed to supporting youth, not only in their education, but also in other aspects that shape their lives. The SRO provides a safe school environment through:

• Patrol of school grounds, responding to calls for service in the area
• Participating in juvenile enforcement missions to prevent juvenile delinquency
• Providing individual counseling and mentoring to students
• Giving classroom presentations on the work of the SRO, the criminal justice system, and other related topics that help to build an understanding of law enforcement's role in the community
• Participating in school-related events