The Boise Police School Resource Officer program is one of the longest running SRO programs in the country. Since 1970 the program has evolved and expanded to schools across Boise in an effort to provide better service to students, parents, and staff. Since the beginning, SROs have been focused on cultivating positive relationships through education and mentorship. They also lead investigations involving juvenile victims and suspects and work to divert youth away from the juvenile justice system.
BPD’s SRO program is made up of two Sergeants, 15 school-based officers and two child abuse investigators. Eight of our SROs work at the high school level. The rest work out of 7 of the 9 local junior high schools and cover any elementary schools connected to their assigned middle school. Most SROs are also assigned to a few additional charter and private schools and typically respond on an as needed basis.
The Three Main Roles of an SRO
Educator
SROs on campus work to address concerns before they become crimes. Officers provide education to students and school staff on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, Internet Safety, Alcohol and Drugs, Crime Prevention, Bullying, Drivers Education, and the Criminal Justice System. In some cases they also meet with parents both on a one-on-one basis and through the Families United Neighborhood program.
Counselor/Mentor
There are many examples of our officers building important and trusting relationships with students in their schools. From bullying to social media to family dynamics, SRO’s provide students with another person they can turn to for help. Teachers, counselors and administrators can also turn to SROs as a resource when an issue arises. The SRO often plays a key role in connecting a student in crisis with community partners that can provide the care and support they need.
Police Officer
SROs are ready and available for emergency situations and have a responsibility to make sure students school staff are prepared too. On top of preparing and responding to school threats, SROs often help investigate child abuse concerns brought to their attention by staff or students themselves. All juvenile suspect cases, even incidents that happen away from school, are investigated by School Resource Officers. SROs are empowered to divert cases from entering the formal juvenile justice system through alternative methods like school discipline and informal agreements.
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