Sikeston School Resource Officer FAQs

Sikeston School Resource Officer Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a School Resource Officer?

A: The School Resource Officer Program (SRO) is a nationally accepted program involving the placement of law enforcement officers within the educational environment. Each officer is involved in a variety of functions aimed at prevention. In addition to being an active high profile law enforcement officer, the SRO is a resource for students, parents, teachers and administration regarding law issues. Another duty for the SRO is being a link to other service agencies who provide preventive and counseling services within the school district. Working hand-in-hand with the principal in each school, the SRO assists with finding solutions to problems afflicting today's school age children. Back to SRO page

Q: Are the schools so bad we need SROs?

A: The Sikeston School System and the Sikeston Department of Public Safety are working together to confront problems our students must face now. By addressing these issues together and proactively, we believe that this prevention program will become increasingly effective.

Throughout the United States each year over 200,000 violent crimes occur on school property. Each year 150,000 students stay home because they are "sick of violence and afraid they might be stabbed, shot, or beaten". Every day in the U.S 60 teachers are assaulted and 160 are threatened and it is estimated that between 100,000 and 135,000 guns are brought to schools in the U.S. each day.

Although most statistics are nationwide, we can see the trend. An SRO, if utilized correctly, should be the first line of defense against gangs, drugs, alcohol, and school violence. Every student in the U.S. has the right to feel safe while attending school. Through prevention programs such as the SRO and DARE it is hoped that in the City of Sikeston we can reverse the trends that are hurting our youth and education. The schools and the city understand and believe that prevention is the key and that we hold the future of youth in our hands. Back to SRO page top of page

Q: What do SROs do in the schools?

A: The SRO works with the administration, educators, and counselors. The role each officer plays is dependent on the need of the situation. As a sworn public safety officer he/she is assigned to provide the law enforcement expertise and resources to assist school staff in maintaining safety and order. Each officer shall:

Handle all calls for service and coordinate the response of other police resources to the school.

Be visible patrolling the exterior and interior grounds, particularly during the opening or closing of school and during the lunch periods.

Wear a uniform identifying them as a police officer.

Assist with training for the school administration in law enforcement and related matters.

Be available as a guest speaker in the classroom and develop expertise in presenting various subjects to the students including a basic understanding of the laws, the role of the police officer, and other subjects involving law related topics.

Monitor the social and cultural environment to identify emerging youth gangs.

Meet weekly or more frequently, if necessary, with the school principal for the purpose of exchanging information about current crime trends, problem areas, or other areas of concern.

Not act as a school disciplinarian, as the responsibility of discipline lies solely within the school administration. If the principal believes an incident is in violation of the law, he/she may contact the SRO to determine whether law enforcement action is appropriate.

Assist the principal in developing plans and strategies to prevent and/or minimize dangerous situations, which may result from student unrest.
Back to SRO page top of page

Q: Who is my child's SRO?

SRO Lorya Knox	Sikeston Senior High School Sikeston Math & Science Bldg. Southeast Elementary Matthews Elementary
SRO Joey Henry	7th & 8th Grade Center 5th & 6th Grade Center Lee Hunter Elementary
SRO Ryan Dennis	Alternative School New Horizon School Kindergarten Center
SRO Daniel Adams	5th & 6th Grade Center When not instructing D.A.R.E.
If the main SRO Officer is unavailable at the time of request, one or more of the SRO Officers or Supervisor will respond to the request.

Back to SRO page top of page

Q: How can I contact my child's SRO?

A: You may contact your child's SRO by calling the school during school hours and asking for the SRO. If school is not in session, contact may be made through the Sikeston Department of Public Safety at 471-6200.
Back to SRO home page top of page