Last year I came in as a new guy and the students were more than welcoming! (I was not expecting to kiss a pig.) This year has flown by. I am gaining a whole new understanding of today’s youth. The primary focus of an SRO has always been building a positive relationship with the students. The student connections have led this to be a very rewarding position! Here is a quick recap of the SRO school year.
The Sheriff’s Department is now offering job shadows to high school students in both Emergency Communications Dispatcher and School Resource Officer. Thank you to Kirkwood for adding us to the Workplace Learning Connection!
The department is continuing to focus on Crisis Intervention Training and de-escalation techniques. This allows us to better understand how to handle potential mental health crises. We have partnered closely with Foundation 2 to provide additional resources to students and families.
We are finalizing a restitution program to divert non-violent, first-time offenders from receiving juvenile charges. While these options are not always available, it does give Benton Community and the Sheriff’s Office a chance to connect with these students. The students learn consequences and better decision-making through informal counseling. As always the Sheriff’s Department will be working to make schools, roads, and our communities safer. Please watch for us at various summer events in the county.