Local law enforcement agencies across the United States have hired School Resource Officers (SROs) nationwide to improve and preserve safety in schools, often using grants from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). This flyer outlines 13 principles to guide the COPS Office’s work relating to SROs and jurisdictions choosing to implement SRO programs.
These principles should not limit communities in their consideration of the range of programs and interventions which can help improve safety on school campuses. Implementing an SRO program is a local decision and communities should consider the range of options available that best fit their needs.