Several years ago, specially trained police officers known as SROs worked on several campuses around Marin County to prevent crimes and ensure the safety of students and staff members. San Rafael High School’s partnership with SROs ended in 2020 due to protests and activism sparked by the death of George Floyd who lost his life while in police custody in Minneapolis.
However, the recent shooting in Georgia has sparked conversations surrounding the presence of SROs back on campus, providing a sense of renewed urgency.
During the shooting in Georgia, Colt Gray walked into the school and immediately started shooting everyone in sight. He murdered four individuals and left nine people hospitalized before a school resource officer confronted Colt and got him to surrender. The SRO was able to stop the shooting and save many lives that day. SROs can’t stop every crime but they may deter some, lessen the damage, and stop criminals in the act.
In California, SROs are required to complete 40 hours of specialized training at the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) designed to prepare them and other law enforcement officers to work effectively in the school setting.
Many students at San Rafael High School think that reinstating trained officers on campus could reduce potential threats and provide a sense of security.
Senior Lucca Lomeli said, “I think it’s a good idea to bring them back considering how dangerous the world is now. Unfortunately, it’s a sad reality that school shootings happen so often that it’s gotten to the point where SROs need to come back.”
Senior Sterling Rogers believes that “SROs would help prevent people from starting school fights and causing harm to students and teachers.”
Sophomore Ariana Cooper said, “I believe my mom would feel way more secure knowing that there are officers on campus to protect me in case of an emergency.” When students’ families were asked how they would feel about SROs, they all stated that their families would much rather have a police officer rather than security officers.
Some students think otherwise saying that having SROs on campus will make us feel watched.
Freshman Martin Bolanos says, “I think they would be intimidating when walking down the halls with their guns watching over us and if they see me playing around with my friends they might take that the wrong way and maybe become apprehensive and something may happen.”
Faculty members seem to have mixed feelings about the reimplementation of the SROs. Some support the idea of SROs coming back to address behavioral issues and provide a safer environment.
“I have always thought we should have SROs on campus even before society got to where it is today,” said Instructional Assistant Cori Castro. “I think they don’t just deter kids from making bad choices by being visible, but also through mentoring students, they help kids see them as more than just something to fear.”
She added, “I think having a police officer on campus would be a good thing, getting kids used to seeing the police officers as a resource rather than something to be apprehensive about.”
San Rafael High School principal Joe Dominguez, stated, “I have had incredible partnerships with school resource officers in previous districts. I think on-campus police officers are an incredible resource to students and staff because it allows us to get to know local officers positively and it allows the San Rafael Police Department to get to know our community positively as well.”
When asked how he felt regarding Student Resource Officers being armed on campus, Mr Dominguez answered, ”I have always found that campus police care deeply about students and their safety. Their training, expertise, and connection to the community make me feel comfortable if they carry their weapons.”
In contrast, other staff members believe that bringing SROs back is not necessary considering we already have security on campus.
Math teacher Mark Baker stated, “I don’t think there is much of a threat now so I don’t think SROs would make much of a difference.” Baker went on to say he trusted our security personnel as well as the two excellent vice principals. Many students already have strong bonds with them so bringing in new people is unnecessary.
Superintendent Diaz Ghysels did not reply to a request for comment.
The debate over SROs is very complex. While some see them as a solution to improving campus security and behavior, others caution against unintended consequences. As the community continues to discuss and deliberate, it is clear that any decision regarding SROs must carefully consider the diverse perspectives and concerns of everyone involved.
