Job Summary
The Many Police Department is seeking a dedicated, community-minded, sworn law enforcement officer to serve as a School Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO will be assigned to local school campuses on a full-time basis during the academic year. Patrol position during summer and breaks, if desired, at same rate.
Operating under the "Triad Model," the SRO fulfills three distinct roles: Law Enforcement Officer, Law-Related Educator, and Informal Advisor/Mentor. The primary objective is to maintain a safe, secure, and positive learning environment for students, faculty, and visitors, while building strong, trusting relationships between youth and law enforcement.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
1. Safety & Law Enforcement (Approx. 40% of time)
- Provide a highly visible, uniformed safety presence on school grounds, including foot patrols of hallways, cafeterias, parking lots, and athletic fields.
- Take immediate law enforcement action to mitigate threats, handle intruders, or respond to criminal activity on campus.
- Investigate criminal incidents occurring on school property in strict accordance with Many Police Department policies and Louisiana law.
- Collaborate with the school administration to develop, review, and test emergency crisis plans (e.g., active shooter drills, weather emergencies, lockdowns).
- Note: The SRO is strictly a law enforcement entity and does not act as a school disciplinarian. School rule infractions (cheating, dress code, etc.) remain the sole responsibility of the school administration.
2. Law-Related Education (Approx. 30% of time)
- Serve as a guest speaker and resource for teachers in classrooms, presenting on topics like the role of police in society, the juvenile justice system, alcohol/drug awareness, and personal safety.
- Conduct safety presentations for parents and faculty regarding emerging youth trends, internet safety, and substance abuse prevention.
3. Mentoring & Community Liaison (Approx. 30% of time)
- Act as a positive mentor and role model to foster a culture of respect, personal responsibility, and life skills development among students.
- Work collaboratively with guidance counselors and social workers to assist at-risk youth and provide resource referrals to families when necessary.
- Attend select extracurricular school activities and athletic events to build rapport outside the traditional school day structure.
Job Requirements & Qualifications
Per the state-mandated guidelines set by the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement:
- Certification: Must be a Basic, Level 1, P.O.S.T. Certified Peace Officer in good standing with the state of Louisiana.
- Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of full-time, active law enforcement experience.
- Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent.
- SRO Specialized Training: Must have successfully completed, or be able to successfully complete within a designated timeframe of one year, the Louisiana School Resource Officer Basic Training course mandated by the P.O.S.T. Council (including de-escalation skills, youth mental health crisis intervention, and active assailant training).
- Uniform Requirement: Required to wear the complete, approved Many Police Department patrol uniform and equipment at all times while on duty.
- Background & Screenings: Must pass a comprehensive background check, drug screening, and psychological evaluation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an innate ability to connect with youth, adolescents, parents, and educators.
- Excellent conflict-resolution and de-escalation skills.
- Thorough knowledge of Louisiana criminal law, juvenile court procedures, and Sabine Parish school regulations.
- Ability to maintain complete confidentiality under state and federal privacy laws, except where mandatory reporting is legally required.
Work Environment & Schedule
- Follows the operating schedule of the assigned school during the academic calendar year.
- Subject to temporary reassignment by the Chief of Police during municipal police emergencies or school breaks.