The President’s proposals demonstrate that his administration fully understands the training and role of specially trained, carefully selected school resources officers.
Hoover, Ala. (PRWEB) January 16, 2013
The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) (http://www.nasro.org) today applauded President Obama’s call for more school resources officers (SROs) in the nation’s schools. According to documents released today by the White House, the administration will give preference to applicants for COPS Hiring Grants who plan to use the grants to hire specially trained SROs. In addition, the White House proposed a new Comprehensive School Safety program, which would give $150 million to school districts and law enforcement agencies to hire SROs, school psychologists, social workers, and counselors.
Quotes from Mo Canady, executive director, NASRO
- “The President’s proposals demonstrate that his administration fully understands the training and role of specially trained, carefully selected school resources officers. The White House proposals are right on target in this regard.”
- “We’re happy that the President’s proposal does not mention armed guards. Instead, it refers only to specially trained school resource officers. There’s been a lot of confusion about armed guards recently and NASRO agrees that SROs are the only armed persons who should work on school campuses. To arm others, especially educators or volunteers, could be a recipe for disaster.”
- “The president is absolutely correct to advocate for a comprehensive emergency management plan for every school. NASRO has helped schools develop such plans for years. We’re ready and eager to help the administration create model plans for schools.”
Background
- School-based police officers (also known as school resources officers) are specially trained, carefully selected, full-time law enforcement officers who work in schools as their primary assignments.
- SROs are much more than armed guards. They develop relationships with students and staff and participate in the education of students.
- SROs enhance, rather than detract from the learning environment. Students learn that the officers are their friends, not someone to fear and they learn that the presence of an SRO does not indicate they are in danger.
- As of January 16, NASRO has received twice as many requests for training as it did in all of January, 2012. NASRO is increasing its training capacity to meet the increased demand.
- The president’s full plan is available online (http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/wh_now_is_the_time_full.pdf). Discussion of school safety begins on page 10.
Media Contact:
Jani Spede
Jani Spede Public Relations
jspede(at)spedepr(dot)com
(866) 923-9980 ext. 1
