Thanks to a newly released school safety mini grant, the Florence Unified School District has been approved for additional funding to support school resource officer positions at several campuses …
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Thanks to a newly released school safety mini grant, the Florence Unified School District has been approved for additional funding to support school resource officer positions at several campuses across the district.
This expansion will allow the district to strengthen campus security while fostering positive relationships between students, staff, and local law enforcement.
"Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities this initiative will provide,” said FUSD Assistant Superintendent Denice Erickson. “By fostering positive relationships between SROs and students, we aim to create a culture of trust and safety on our campuses. Our schools are not just places of learning; they are communities where students should feel secure, supported, and valued."
The grant will fund SRO positions at the following schools: Anthem K8, Circle Cross Ranch K8, Florence K8, Magma Ranch K8, San Tan Heights K8, Skyline Ranch K8, Walker Butte K8 and Florence High School.
To implement this initiative, FUSD is collaborating closely with both the Florence Police Department and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office. The Florence Police Department will assist in filling SRO positions for schools within the town of Florence, while the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office will support schools in the San Tan Valley area.
Given the current challenges law enforcement agencies face in obtaining additional full-time officers, FUSD will be utilizing off-duty officers to fill these positions. This not only ensures the presence of trained professionals on campuses but also helps alleviate the staffing burden on local law enforcement agencies.
The primary role of SROs goes beyond just providing security. By being present in schools, these officers have the opportunity to build rapport with students, create a sense of trust and serve as positive role models.
Research shows that having SROs on campus can significantly enhance school safety while simultaneously promoting mutual respect and understanding between law enforcement and the school community.
Building strong relationships with students also plays a critical role in helping school resource officers to effectively handle emergency situations. According to the National Association of School Resource Officers, an SRO was able to safely and quickly remove a firearm from a school by leveraging trust and rapport built with students who felt comfortable reporting the situation. This example highlights the importance of fostering positive connections in creating a safer school environment.
According to a study by the association, schools with SRO programs report a reduction in incidents of violence and increased student perceptions of safety.
Moreover, the presence of SROs helps create a proactive approach to safety by identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. These officers not only provide immediate responses to emergencies, but also engage in mentoring, conflict resolution and education on critical topics such as substance abuse and internet safety.
Additionally, having SROs on campus provides parents and guardians with peace of mind, knowing that their presence helps create a safer environment where students can focus on learning rather than concerns about safety. The goal is to create a well-rounded support system for students that goes beyond traditional policing.
Rita Ann Ezzai is the director of public relations for the Florence Unified School District.
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