What is a School Resource Officer (SRO)?

• A. A carefully selected, trained law enforcement officer assigned by an agency to work collaboratively with schools using community-oriented policing and crisis response
• B. A school administrator responsible for safety drills
• C. A security guard hired by the district
• D. A firefighter assigned to the school

Answer: (A)

A School Resource Officer is a sworn law enforcement officer assigned by a police or sheriff’s department to work in schools, using community‑oriented policing and crisis response. This means the officer is there not just to patrol, but to build positive relationships with students and staff, participate in prevention and education programs, and integrate safety planning with the school’s routines. They handle conflicts, bullying, truancy, and safety concerns in a proactive way while being ready to respond to emergencies and coordinate with administrators and other responders. The role blends policing with education and crisis intervention to create a safer learning environment.

The other options describe roles that aren’t law enforcement officers or aren’t focused on the policing and crisis‑response functions that define an SRO. A school administrator handles safety drills and overall management, a security guard is typically non‑sworn security staff, and a firefighter is related to fire rescue, not school policing.