Videos

The First Five Things An SRO Should Do

Date:

September 1, 2021

Duration:

2m 52s

Topics

School-based Law Enforcement

Crisis Timeline

Prevention Planning

Audience

Law Enforcement & First Responders

A person holding up five fingers next to a yellow circle with the text 'REMEMBER: First Five Things to Do.

Watch on YouTube

SRO Poster

In episode 2 of our School Resource Officer (SRO) series, we focus on what it takes to succeed in this unique role. Success as an SRO isn’t measured by arrests, control, or discipline—it’s about earning students’ trust and helping them thrive. While transitioning to this role is a big change, a few key steps can set you up to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.

In this video, we outline the first five steps every new SRO should take. You’ll learn how to clarify your role and authority with school leadership, build relationships with staff and students, familiarize yourself with the school building, and establish a visible, approachable presence in your new community. English and Spanish subtitles are available to enhance your viewing experience.

Series Description

School Resource Officers (SROs) are present in many communities across the country. SROs must be youth advocates, educators, and protectors of all students in the schools they serve. This video series helps SROs consider the way students think, how to connect with them, how to break down barriers to communication, and how to become a successful presence in their school.

The SRO video series is produced in partnership with Katherine Schweit, JD at Schweit Consulting and Rocket Media Group.

Series Playlist (6 Episodes)

Transcript

Narrator: You’ve been assigned to a school as a new SRO. Now What? The first thing to get your head wrapped around is that you’ll be working almost exclusively with kids! It’s not your typical beat. Your success will be measured not by arrests, control and discipline, but by your ability to gain the trust of students and help them grow. Sooo, if you don’t truly like kids, this may not be the job for you. But assuming you’re okay with that, here are the first 5 things you should do:

1. Before your first day, have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the administration. If there isn’t one, get one started! The MOU will set the boundaries of your authority and avoid conflicts during stressful times. You’re not there to be a disciplinarian or an extra hand for the school administration. You’re there to stop threats and maintain security for the school, students, and staff.

2. Know your beat: Learn the makeup of the staff and students, the socioeconomics of the community, the crime trends and other demographics. Research the school’s relationship with the police department, both good and bad.

3. Gather the lists: of staff; of students; of mental health resources and counselors – including those located within religious organizations, youth leagues, hospitals, and county health departments. Keep this information with you at all times‚ both on paper and in your phone. And make sure they know who you are.

4. On Day One: walk your school. Get a map and know every door and exit like the janitor would. Don’t forget roofs and basements. Locate the fire suppression system and utility cutoffs; and learn the locations of AEDs and first aid kits. Identify weaknesses in your school’s access points. These might be unlocked doors or windows, doors left open‚ vulnerable fence lines‚ or areas where an accelerating vehicle could threaten life.

5. Finally, from the moment you arrive: become an immediate presence, seen by everyone, everywhere. Always be on the move. You’re the only one with the flexibility to do this. You won’t know what abnormal activity is until you learn what’s normal.

So remember, the first five things to do as an SRO: Get an MOU; Know your beat, Gather lists, Walk your school; and become an immediate presence to the students and faculty. So what are you waiting for? Get started! And good luck.