JOB TITLE: SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
DEPARTMENT: School
REPORTS TO: Principal
FLSA STATUS/CLASSIFICATION: Exempt; Certified
FTE: 1.00 or less, depending on course need
PAY GRADE: Grant Funded
WORK CALENDAR: Certified 10 Month
SUPERVISORY DUTIES: None
SUMMARY: The School Resource Officer (SRO) is a sworn law enforcement officer assigned to the school through a cooperative agreement between the school district and the local law enforcement agency. The SRO works collaboratively with students, staff, families, and community partners to maintain a safe, secure, and supportive learning environment. Responsibilities include promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and youth, helping prevent and respond to safety and security concerns, investigating criminal activity occurring on campus, assisting with emergency preparedness and crisis response, and serving as a resource for school administrators. The SRO also provides education and guidance on topics such as school safety, violence prevention, substance abuse awareness, digital citizenship, and applicable laws, while fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. All duties are performed in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, district policies, and the intergovernmental agreement between the school district and the law enforcement agency.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provides a visible and approachable law enforcement presence to help maintain a safe, secure, and orderly school environment.
- Builds positive relationships with students, staff, families, and community members through regular interaction and engagement.
- Enforces applicable federal, state, and local laws while respecting the educational mission of the school.
- Responds promptly to criminal activity, emergencies, threats, disturbances, and other incidents occurring on school property or at school-sponsored events.
- Conducts investigations related to criminal offenses occurring on campus and coordinates with school administrators and law enforcement agencies as appropriate.
- Assists administrators in developing and maintaining safe school practices while recognizing that school discipline remains the responsibility of school administration.
- Collaborates with school personnel to identify, assess, and respond to potential safety and security concerns.
- Participates in threat assessment processes and multidisciplinary teams as appropriate.
- Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of school emergency operations plans, crisis response procedures, and safety protocols.
- Conducts or participates in safety assessments, emergency drills, and campus security inspections.
- Provides age-appropriate classroom presentations and educational programs on topics such as bullying prevention, internet safety, substance abuse prevention, conflict resolution, violence prevention, traffic safety, and responsible decision-making.
- Serves as a mentor and positive role model for students while promoting responsible citizenship and respect for the law.
- Supports prevention and intervention efforts designed to improve school climate and student well-being.
- Develops collaborative working relationships with school counselors, social workers, mental health providers, and community agencies to connect students and families with appropriate resources.
- Assists with traffic control, campus supervision, and security during student arrival, dismissal, extracurricular activities, and other school events as assigned.
- Monitors campus security and recommends improvements to enhance school safety.
- Maintains confidentiality of student and personnel information in accordance with applicable laws and district policies.
- Completes required reports, documentation, and evidence procedures accurately and in a timely manner.
- Maintains all certifications, training, and qualifications required by the employing law enforcement agency and the State of Arizona.
- Participates in professional development related to school safety, youth development, crisis intervention, de-escalation, and applicable laws.
- Serves as a liaison between the school district, law enforcement agency, emergency responders, and community organizations.
- Exercises sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion in interactions with students, staff, parents, and community members.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the Chief of Police/Sheriff or designee and the Superintendent or designee, consistent with the School Resource Officer assignment and applicable intergovernmental agreement.
- Performs other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:
- Federal and Arizona laws, regulations, and court decisions applicable to law enforcement and school safety.
- Arizona Revised Statutes related to juvenile justice, student rights, mandatory reporting, and school safety.
- Law enforcement procedures, criminal investigations, evidence collection, and report writing.
- School emergency operations, crisis response, threat assessment, and incident command principles.
- Crime prevention strategies and school security best practices.
- Youth and adolescent development, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior interventions.
- Conflict resolution, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and communication techniques.
- Community resources available to support students and families.
- District policies, procedures, and applicable confidentiality requirements, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Cultural diversity and practices that foster equitable, respectful interactions with all members of the school community.
Skill in:
- Building positive, professional relationships with students, staff, families, and community partners.
- Effectively communicating orally and in writing with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- De-escalating conflicts and resolving problems using sound judgment and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Conducting investigations, documenting incidents, and preparing clear, accurate reports.
- Assessing threats and responding appropriately during emergencies and critical incidents.
- Presenting educational programs to students, staff, and families.
- Using computers, communication systems, and law enforcement technology effectively.
- Working collaboratively with school administrators while respecting the distinct roles of school discipline and law enforcement.
- Maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality in sensitive situations.
- Prioritizing multiple responsibilities and responding effectively under pressure.
Ability to:
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, law enforcement personnel, and community agencies.
- Serve as a positive role model and mentor for students.
- Exercise sound judgment and make appropriate decisions in stressful or emergency situations.
- Remain calm and professional while managing difficult or emotionally charged situations.
- Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures accurately and consistently.
- Work independently with minimal supervision while functioning effectively as part of a collaborative school team.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to safety and security concerns.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.
- Adapt to changing situations and priorities while maintaining a focus on student safety and well-being.
- Successfully complete all training, certifications, and continuing education required by the employing law enforcement agency and the State of Arizona.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, public administration, education, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of full-time sworn law enforcement experience preferred.
- Previous experience working with youth, schools, or community-based programs is preferred.
- Successful completion of School Resource Officer training or the ability to complete such training within a timeframe established by the employing law enforcement agency.
Certifications and Licenses
- Current Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (AZPOST) certification as a sworn peace officer, or the ability to renew certification.
- Must remain in good standing with the employing law enforcement agency and maintain all required certifications and qualifications.
- Valid Arizona driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
- Current CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications, or the ability to obtain within a specified period.
Computer Proficiency: Demonstrated general proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Suite, Google for Education, and job specific computer programs.
EVALUATION:
The School Resource Officer will be evaluated annually by the campus principal and supervising officer based on overall performance in promoting a safe, secure, and positive school environment. Evaluation criteria will include professionalism, communication, collaboration with school staff and law enforcement partners, relationship-building with students and families, emergency preparedness, incident response, adherence to laws and policies, and contributions to prevention, education, and school safety initiatives. Performance will be measured by the officer’s effectiveness in supporting student success, fostering trust, and strengthening partnerships between the school district and the community.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Ability to perform the physical demands associated with law enforcement duties, including standing, walking, running, climbing stairs, bending, lifting, restraining individuals when legally necessary, and responding quickly to emergencies.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally more when required during emergency response.
- Sufficient vision, hearing, speech, and mobility to safely perform essential job functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Work is performed in classrooms, offices, hallways, cafeterias, parking lots, athletic facilities, school buses, and other school district properties.
- May be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or special events as assigned.
- May be exposed to stressful situations, disruptive behavior, communicable illnesses, adverse weather conditions, and emergency or crisis situations requiring immediate response.
Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities identified in this position description are illustrative only and are in no way intended to be a complete list of activities that may be required of an incumbent. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individual currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.