School Resource Officer
In collaboration with the City o
f Monroe Police Department, the PCM School District has one full-time SRO serving all buildings within the PCM district. Officer Carter Riechmann is a vital member of our school’s leadership team, helping to address safety issues within the school community.
What is an SRO, and Why is it Important?
A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a specially trained police officer who works closely with schools. The SRO focuses on safety, education, and mentorship, aiming to foster a secure and fair learning environment. They provide resources to school staff, build positive relationships with students, and address modern issues like responsible technology use and interactions with law enforcement.
Do SROs receive any special training?
Certainly, all School Resource Officers (SROs) undergo training from the National Association of School Resource Officers upon selection. This training covers their role, building positive relationships, and ensuring a safe learning environment.
What kind of problems do the officers handle in the schools? Are they responsible for handling disciplinary issues within the schools?
The SRO mainly helps PCM in maintaining a positive educational environment by ensuring the safety of students and staff. They handle conflicts, secure the building, and respond to criminal matters. SROs don't actively police schools but work with administrators to address criminal incidents. Classroom disciplinary matters are handled by PCM educators and staff, not SROs.
Do SROs participate in any other juvenile justice programs?
Yes, SROs are involved in the Jasper County Juvenile Court’s Services diversion program. They refer students' first simple misdemeanors to prevent citations or arrests. Additionally, officers participate in the District’s Crisis Response and Violence Prevention program, along with the Restorative Justice program administered by the Jasper County Juvenile Detention Center.