Community Resource Officer Program |
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The CRO(Community Resource Officer),previously called the SRO(School Resource Officer) program began in September of 2003 as a joint effort between the Elmira Heights Police Department and the Elmira Heights School District. The program utilized federal grant money to place a police officer on campus and assist the schools in providing a safer environment for our students.
The goal was to have the officer work closely with the school administration to deal with everyday problems that existed on the school campuses. Together the CRO and school officials investigated cases of fighting, drugs, weapons possession, gang involvement and child abuse.
The program has been a great success. Students found that by having a police officer on campus and getting to know the police officer, it was easier and more comfortable to report crimes and concerns to the police.
In 2007 the program has been continued by a grant through the county and was re-named Community Resource Officer. The job itself has remained the same.
CRO MISSION:
The mission of this partnership is to improve perception and relations between students, staff and local law enforcement and to investigate and reduce crime, as well as to create and maintain a safe and peaceful learning environment for all.
The CRO has been using the “Triad Concept” which consists of educate, enforce and counsel:
- Educate – Assist staff with education of students in relevant topics to promote a better understanding of laws and their effect on the students.
- Enforce – Walking the halls and patrolling the school grounds so as to visible to students and deter any problems on or around school grounds.
- Counsel – The CRO provides a resource for students, parents and school staff that will enhance better communication. The CRO will assist in instilling good moral standards, good judgment, respect and concern for the community.
The CRO divides his time between Cohen Elementary, Cohen Middle and Edison High School.
The CRO has been involved in several activities including, but not limited to the following:
- Junior Police Academy
- Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program
- Youth Assistance Program
- Stranger danger
- Active Shooter Drill
- Medical drills
- K-9 Searches
- Bomb searches for staff
- Gang prevention
- District safety plan
- Lunch Buddies
- Mediation
- Take Control USA
- Orientation
- School dances
- Sports
- Builders Club
The CRO is now able to give students at the high school who are 16 years of age and older their Department of Motor Vehicle Permit Test. This saves time for parents and students.
QUOTES FROM TEACHERS AND STUDENTS:
“I feel much safer with the CRO in the building. He responds to all crisis situations we have and I feel that he has kept some incidents from becoming more serious.”
“I think that the biggest thing is that it is the only time for many students to have a positive interaction with a police officer. They may often have negative attitudes/views toward law enforcement because of trouble in the community.”
You can address questions and comments to the CRO at mcadek@gstboces.org