Bay County Sheriff's Office D.A.R.E / School Resource Officer Program Frank McKeithen, Sheriff

What is a School Resource Officer?

A School Resource Deputy (SRD) is a certified police officer who is assigned full-time to a school.  For this, SRD's receive many hours of ongoing specialized training.  The concept is similar to the "cop on floor patrol" who knows the public he serves on a first name basis and is sensitive to their particular needs.

Like many adults, some students view police officers solely as enforcers of the law.  By establishing a daily rapport with their school's SRD at a young age, students will not only gain a positive role model, but also a better understanding of police officers' many other duties and responsibilities

Likewise, SRD's will gain a better perspective of the youngsters in their school.   By careful assessing the needs of individual students, SRD's will be more aware of the development of unhealthy or destructive behavioral patterns.  Through early intervention, it is possible, in many cases, to redirect negative behaviors before they cause a student to be referred to the Criminal Justice System.

Teacher

SRD's visit classrooms and present topics of a law related nature.  Classroom presentations consist of Substance Abuse Prevention, Crime Prevention, Conflict Management, and an introduction to all aspects of the Criminal Justice Field.  SRD's are also available as a resource for teachers in developing specialty programs tailored to specific units of study such as:

• Crime Victim Prevention Techniques
• Bias-Motivated Violence
• Cults and Gangs
• Drunk Driving Prevention

Through classroom instruction students gain a better understanding of the police role in today's society.

Law Enforcement Officer

Working with school administrators, SRD's investigate criminal violations which involve students as victims or suspects.  The students' knowledge that investigations of criminal incidents will be conducted is in itself a deterrent to delinquent behavior - a primary goal of the program.

Security and safety within the school are other concerns of SRD's.  They evaluate situations and make recommendations to school administrators in reference to safety issues in the schools.  The mere presence of an officer helps deter unwanted persons from frequenting campuses.  It also serves as notice to students that contraband, such as weapons and illegal substances, will not be tolerated at school.

Counselor

Students are encouraged to seek the personalized attention of SRD's.  Each officer is specially trained to conduct informal, individual or group discussions.  SRD's are available for conferences with students, parents and faculty members regarding law-related problems and crime prevention techniques.  SRD's are familiar with the various social services and local community resources that are available for referral.

Additional Responsibilities

The involvement of SRD's extends far beyond the classroom and normal workday.  Officers participate in parent-teacher and faculty meetings, student social and sporting events and club projects.  The presence of SRD's tends to strengthen the student/police bonds and show the officer's commitment to the students and their education and safety.

The Future of Bay County Sheriff's Office D.A.R.E./SRO Program

The goals is to make D.A.R.E./SROD available in every elementary, middle and high school in the county of Bay.  The continued growth of these programs depends to a large extent on direct support from he Panama City community.   Anyone interested in becoming D.A.R.E./SROD supporters should contact:

Sheriff Frank McKeithen

Capt. J.D. Nolin (Captain of Community Services)

Lt. Andy Smith, Sgt. Myron Guilford, Sgt. Steve Batchelor

D.A.R.E./SRD Program
Bay County Sheriff's Office
(850) 747-4700 ext 2300

Visit the BCSO Web Site:
http://www.bayso.org