School Resource Officers

The position of School Resource Officer is a specialized assignment within the Sheriff’s Department. SROs are experienced deputies specially assigned to schools after a careful selection process that includes input from a candidate’s supervisors, school district staff, and a final appointment by the local Station Commander.

Candidates must have at least one year of patrol experience, a strong record of field performance, and be free of significant disciplinary action. Candidates must be skilled communicators who can effectively interact with students, parents/guardians, school staff, and community members. In the school environment, an SRO must be able to de-escalate conflicts, build trust through open dialogue, and explain law enforcement practices in a way that is clear and respectful. Strong communication skills also allow SROs to serve as positive role models, mentors, and educators, ensuring they can connect with youth while fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.

Once a deputy is selected as an SRO by the Station Commander, the length of the assignment depends on the needs of both the assigned station and the Sheriff’s Department. Because the SRO role is unique and benefits from consistency, deputies who are chosen typically remain in the position for a minimum of two years, providing stability and continuity for the schools they serve.

Additionally, SROs complete specialized training to prepare them for the unique responsibilities of working in schools. Within one year of assignment, each SRO attends a 40-hour basic training course; covering topics such as child development, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, developmentally informed de-escalation, and the role of SROs in creating a positive environment.

In addition, ongoing training is encouraged each year, when possible, to keep SROs up-to-date on emerging issues in school safety and youth development. Recommended topics include adolescent mental health, trauma awareness, resiliency and overall wellness, cultural competence, crime prevention through environmental design, and updates in juvenile and education law.

This commitment to training ensures SROs are equipped not only to keep campuses safe but also to serve as supportive mentors and trusted resources for students, staff, and families.

All SROs assigned to schools remain under the authority of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Their work schedules are determined by the Department, with input from school staff and school districts. While on campus, SROs must follow all Sheriff’s Department policies, as well as federal, state, and local laws. They are accountable to the Sheriff through their chain of command.

At the same time, SROs are expected to work closely with school administrators, faculty, and staff. They will follow school policies, cooperate with requests from school officials, and contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment.

The Sheriff’s Department supervises the daily operations of each SRO, and whenever possible, gathers feedback from the school or school district to be included in employee performance evaluations. This partnership ensures that the program reflects the priorities of both public safety and education.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department follows a clearly-defined chain of command to ensure matters are handled at the appropriate level. This structure helps resolve issues quickly and efficiently, while maintaining accountability. For SROs, the chain of command is as follows:

1. School Resource Officer (SRO)
2. Station Sergeant (SRO Supervisor)
3. Station Lieutenant
4. Station Captain

This framework ensures that questions, concerns, or issues related to the SRO Program are addressed promptly and through the proper channels.

SROs are sworn deputies dedicated to keeping schools safe while building positive relationships with students, staff, and families. Their mission is to protect the school environment so teachers can focus on teaching and students can feel safe while learning.

SROs work to keep campuses free from drugs, alcohol, weapons, violence, and gang activity. They also help with traffic safety around schools, coordinate security efforts with the district, and respond when criminal laws may have been violated. Importantly, SROs do not participate in school discipline or enforce school rules—their role is law enforcement, safety, and support. Arrests are considered a last resort, with alternatives sought whenever possible.

Beyond safety, SROs serve as mentors and public safety educators. They provide classroom presentations, law-related education, and crime prevention programs when requested by teachers and/or school officials. They also act as trusted role models, guiding students toward making positive choices and helping them understand the legal system in a way that builds respect and trust.

By building rapport with students, participating in school activities, and working alongside teachers and administrators, SROs help foster open communication and a supportive school climate. They also assist in crime prevention through patrols, monitoring high-risk areas, and assessing school facilities for safety improvements.

In addition, SROs connect students and families with community resources such as counseling, mental health services, and drug or alcohol treatment programs. Acting as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Department, schools, and the community, SROs combine the roles of protector, mentor, and educator to ensure campuses are safe, supportive, and connected.

A safe and supportive learning environment is built on strong partnerships. Collaboration between local schools and the Sheriff’s Department ensures that students, teachers, and families can focus on education while knowing their campuses are secure. By working together, schools and deputies share resources, expertise, and communication that help prevent problems, respond quickly to concerns, and create a positive atmosphere where students can thrive.

This partnership is about more than safety—it is about building trust, strengthening relationships, and ensuring that young people have both the protection and the guidance they need to succeed.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department recognizes the importance of protecting sensitive information, and our school district partners understand the confidentiality requirements of law enforcement.

To respect these obligations, employees from either side will not request or share information that would place the Sheriff’s Department or school district in violation of any law, policy, or procedure.

At the same time, both parties agree to share information, when legally permitted, that is necessary to protect the safety, security, and well-being of students, staff, and the school community. Any information shared will follow all applicable laws and the policies of both the Sheriff’s Department and the school district.

It is important for families and the community to understand the difference between school discipline and criminal matters. Issues like classroom behavior, tardiness, or violations of school rules are handled by school administrators, not by SROs. When behavior may rise to the level of a crime, the SRO’s role is to respond as a law enforcement officer.

In addition to enforcing the law, SROs take on other vital responsibilities to keep schools safe. They assist with threat assessments, help schools prepare for emergencies, and are trained to respond quickly in the event of an active threat. SROs also serve as mentors and public safety educators, building positive relationships with students while supporting a safe learning environment.

SROs do not make or recommend school discipline decisions. Matters such as detention, suspension, or other administrative disciplinary actions are the responsibility of school administrators and discipline boards, commonly referred to as Student Administrative Review Boards (SARB). Administrative discipline decisions are left to school administrators, discipline boards, or other restorative justice systems employed by the school or school district.

An SRO’s role in the school discipline process and SARB is to determine whether a student’s behavior involves a violation of the law. If conduct rises to the level of a crime and the school chooses to pursue a criminal course of action, the SRO will then take the appropriate steps to conduct an independent investigation, document the incident, and complete the necessary reports.

This approach ensures that school discipline remains in the hands of educators, while SROs focus on keeping the campus safe and addressing situations that require a law enforcement response.