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The SRO's

Deputy Steve M. Bowers
Northern Campus
Sand hook Elementary School
Signal Knob Middle

Deputy Ricky Miller Central Campus

Deputy Keith Cowart
Southern Campus

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Shenandoah County currently has 4 SRO's and they are stationed at each of the county school campuses. SRO's perform many task along with the obvious of providing a safe environment both from outside problems and those from inside the buildings. The SRO's perform truancy reduction efforts picking up kids from home that may have missed the bus or are court ordered to be in school. The SRO's work hand in hand with school social workers on this issue and many more. The SRO's has responsibility to an education component. drug abuse resistance education or D.A.R.E. is one Class Action , Fatal Vision, and Child ID are some of the others. Deputies do security checks and have intervention talks with students on making good choices. Collaboration for kids is a new grass roots effort the SRO's are involved in. After school dances and even festivals are attended by the SRO this is community policing in mind when the deputy has the trust of students and friendships are form the reduction in crime is apparent. Not to mention the mere presence of the Deputy is a deterrent for any violence and or drug activity.

The Shenandoah county Sheriff's Office is committed to providing safe schools where students can learn and teachers can teach. The proactive and effective School Resource Officer Program is one component of the partnership that commits public safety personnel to the safety and security of the school community. The central mission of the law enforcement–educator partnership is student success. When students succeed, the entire community succeeds. Student success contributes to community safety: students who experience success and make positive contributions within their schools become productive citizens in the larger community.

School Resource Officers - FAQs

What does an SRO do on the school campuses?
SRO's work to provide a safe campus environment for students and staff. Through their daily activities they encourage positive interaction with students and perform instructional programs and daily security activities that range from checking the staff and student parking areas, checking the doors of the schools, and intervention talks to deter further problems with students. An SRO serves as a role model to students. The officers are not there to replace teachers or counselors; they are a resource for them.

What is the typical day for a SRO on a school campus?
This question is not easily answered, as there is no such thing as a "typical day" on campus. The SRO may be asked to handle a multitude of issues. These may include investigating theft and vandalism incidents, fights on or around the campus, child abuse reports, runaways, or traffic collisions in the parking lot. The SRO may talk with a student who has family concerns, teach students law concepts, or act as a mediator in rivalries.

How are crimes on campus investigated? When a crime is brought to the attention of the SRO or school staff, it is investigated. A large part of the investigation process involves interviewing victims, witnesses, and possible suspects. Students may be called out of class in order to accomplish this in a timely and efficient manner. In some cases, the SRO may contact a student at home after school hours to work the case. SRO's work very closely with school administrators to conclude matters quick and professionally.

Are Shenandoah County Public Schools so bad that we need to have officers on campus?
No. Shenandoah County schools have fewer problems than many schools in other areas. Unfortunately, crimes, drug use, and other problems needing intervention do occur. Placing officers on campus was done as a proactive move to have campus policing handled by deputies who regularly work closely with the staff and students. The schools are their "beat." Many Sheriff's Offices throughout the nation have SRO programs. The SRO's work during school hours and are expected to respond to emergency calls at any school in the county. They are mobile and may be at different campuses from time to time.

Do the SRO's wear uniforms and carry weapons?
Like other law enforcing officers, SRO's wear a standard sheriff's uniform and are armed. The uniform makes the officer instantly recognizable as a law enforcement officer, which is important when intervening in emergencies. Also, one of the SRO program's goals is that students become more comfortable about the presence of a regular uniformed law enforcement officer.

Do the officers have to notify the parent before they talk with a student at school?
Officers are required to attempt to notify parents before interviewing but if they are unable the SRO can interview students with no parent present. Or a school official can sit in as a guardian for the student. Several students may be interviewed during an investigation, and there is an effort to communicate what is going on with parents during the investigation . As a matter of routine, parents are notified when a student is involved in a serious matter or there is some other concern the parent should be aware of. School Board policy section JFC-R pages 45-51

What to do if I have a concern about an SRO matter?
The first step would be to call the SRO directly. Most concerns can be addressed by discussing them with the SRO responsible for the campus or who handled the case. The SRO's are very willing to address any questions or concerns parents have about a case their son or daughter is involved in. If you feel your concern needs to be addressed to the SRO supervisor, contact the SRO Sergeant at (540) 459-6104