School Resource Officer

Position Type: Security/Security - 12-Months Date Posted: 3/4/2025 Location: District Office PURPOSE STATEMENT To maintain the security and safety of student body, faculty and staff. Patrol campus and maintain security of buildings and grounds. This is responsible police work in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all the duties and responsibilities performed by this position. Work involves responsibility for the prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, and enforcement of laws and ordinances in an assigned area. Work includes preventive patrol within the Gary Community School Corporation, crime investigation, follow-up investigation, and special assignments. Work assignments and instructions are received in general terms from a superior officer who reviews work methods and results through reports, observation, and discussion. An employee of this class must be able to act without direct supervision and exercise considerable independent judgment and discretion. Work involves extensive public contact and contact with students. Work involves an element of personal danger, and psychological emotional stress. Work involves being a positive role model to youth and society in general, a liaison between students, parents, staff, administrators and the public at large, a counselor for troubled youth, a teacher who may enter the classroom and acquaint students with the danger of drugs, alcohol and destructive decisions. Further, an SRO is an instructor of criminal law and police procedures, a first responder who protects the school campus, a law enforcement officer who handles conflicts and criminal activity in the school. Maintains regular attendance and punctuality. Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective working environment. Additional Duties and Responsibilities of School Resource Officers: To prevent juvenile delinquency through close contact with students and school personnel. To establish liaison with school principals, faculty and students. To establish and maintain liaison between school security personnel and other SROs assigned to school campuses. Abide by school board policies and shall consult with and coordinate activities through the school principal but shall remain fully responsive to the chain of command of the law enforcement agency in all matters relating to employment and supervision. Develop expertise in presenting various subjects; particularly in meeting federal and state mandates in drug abuse prevention education and shall provide these presentations at the request of the school personnel in accordance with the established curriculum. Encourage individual and small group discussions about law enforcement related matters with students, faculty and parents. To formulate educational crime prevention programs to reduce the opportunity for crimes against persons and property in the schools. Refrain completely from functioning as a school disciplinarian. The School Resource Officer is not to be involved in the enforcement of disciplinary infractions that do not constitute violations of the law. Attend meetings of parent and faculty groups to solicit their support and understanding of the School Resource Officer program and to promote awareness of law enforcement functions. Serve as a member of the school Student Services Committee and will be familiar with all community agencies that offer assistance to youths and their families, such as mental health clinics, drug treatment centers, etc., and may make referrals when appropriate. Confer with the principal to develop plans and strategies to prevent and/or minimize dangerous situations on or near the campus or involving students at school-related activities. Perform duties as determined by the principal other than those regularly assigned to school personnel such as lunchroom or hall duty. (Nothing herein is intended to preclude the SRO from being available in areas where interaction with students is expected.) Abide by school board policy and applicable law concerning interviews should it be necessary to conduct formal law enforcement interviews with students or staff on property or at school functions under the jurisdiction of the school board. Take law enforcement action as necessary and notify the principal of the school as soon as possible; whenever practicable, advises the principal before requesting additional enforcement assistance on campus and undertake all additional law enforcement responsibilities at the principal's direction. Give assistance to officers in matters regarding the duties of SROs whenever necessary. In order to assure the peaceful operation of school-related programs, SROs will, whenever possible, participate in or attend school functions. Coordinate with the principal and be responsible for law enforcement and security activity at extracurricular events as determined by the principal. To provide liaison between students and social agencies which provide needed services. To act as a liaison resource to the principal in investigating criminal law violations occurring in the school or on school property. To formulate educational crime prevention programs to reduce the opportunity for crimes against persons and property in the schools. To participate in campus activities, student organizations, and athletic events when invited and feasible. To be aware at all times of the responsibility to improve the image of the uniformed law enforcement officer in the eyes of the students and the community. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Civilian security staff within assigned buildings. QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The selection of the officer is the most critical aspect of the program. Selection shall include officers who have demonstrated ability, interest, and skills necessary to work with youth, school staff, and the public. The following criteria should be considered when selecting officers for the program: Knowledge of: Applicable Federal and State laws, City and County ordinances, and Board of Education policies and regulations. Safety in operation of motor vehicle. Universal hygiene precautions. Basic first aid and CPI training. Skill in: Shall possess strong communication skills which would enable the officer to function effectively within the school environment. Using a computer and related software applications. Using modern office equipment. Ability to: Conduct in-depth criminal investigations. Deal firmly and courteously with the public. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Minimum 5 years successful experience as an officer. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups. Knowledge of departmental resources. Creative problem solver. Strong problem solving skills. Conflict resolution skills. Knowledge of the Juvenile Code and Juvenile Court procedures. Supervisory recommendation. Strong communication skills. Demonstrated desire to work as an SRO. Shall possess even temperament and set a good example for students. CERTIFICATION Law Enforcement Academy Certification, Basic NASRO, or School Safety Specialists PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Sedentary Work: Sitting and/or driving for long periods of time, standing and/or walking for long periods of time, lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, kneeling, moving light furniture and/or equipment, walking several hours per day in hallways and outside. Must be able to work in heat and cold (outside seasonal temperatures). Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work may be performed outside in seasonal temperatures as well as inside of buildings. Work is performed during both daylight and night hours. Flexibility and patience are required. May have to work with ropes, chains, locks, pylons, and gates that need to be moved or carried to secure areas. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. Must be able to work under stressful conditions. Required Testing Background Clearance CPS Clearance Drug Test

Created: 2026-03-04