Arizona Charter Academy in Surprise announces the school will have a full time school resource officer on campus when students return in the fall.

Surprise Police Officer Nick Wylie will greet students and staff every morning “thanks to an ongoing positive relationship” between ACA and the police department, according to a press release.

Wylie’s campus presence will contribute to a positive environment for students and staff, the release added.

“Through the Surprise Police Department’s continued involvement at our school, we saw the great benefit of having a SRO on campus to engage with students in a positive experience,” said ACA Director of Operations Gloria Ramos in a prepared statement. “He is present during student lunches, arrival and assemblies. He knows so many students by name now and they seek him out to high five them.”

She said parents feel safe when dropping off students knowing a law enforcement officer is on campus because Wylie’s primary roles as an SRO include being a law enforcement officer, public safety educator and an informal counselor and mentor.

“As a law enforcement officer, my responsibility is to ensure the school campus remains a safe and secure environment for all. Having an SRO on campus provides a significant benefit by fostering a greater sense of safety and security among both students and staff,” said Wylie, adding in his role as a public safety educator, he provides students, staff and parents with valuable knowledge about the law and how it applies to their daily lives.

Through his role as an informal counselor and mentor, Wylie said can build meaningful relationships with students, parents and faculty while being available for support and guidance.

“Of these roles, I find the informal counselor/mentor aspect to be the most rewarding and impactful part of the job,” he said. “For students in particular, the presence of an SRO offers a trusted adult they can turn to — someone who supports them and is readily available to listen and provide guidance.”

While Ramos noted the positive interactions with the students, the principal Jordan Beckman, also stated Wylie’s presence is an effective way to see police officers in a positive light.

“Having an SRO on campus is providing a great benefit in building community relationships with our school population and the city of Surprise Police Department,” said Beckman. “Often students and families only see police officers as responding to a crime. Now, our students will see police officers as allies and someone who wants to prevent issues.”

“It’s a great opportunity to build strong relationships with the students and staff, and to contribute to a safe, supportive learning environment. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the school community and working together to make a positive impact,” Wylie said.