NCJ Number
210735
Date Published
May 2001
Length
152 pages
Annotation
This document presents content recommendations and resources for school-resource-officer (SRO) core training curricula in California jurisdictions.
Abstract
The content guidelines for the core course for school resource officers address instructional goals, required topics, student learning activities, minimum instructional hours, and testing standards. The course is intended to prepare trainees, who are sworn California peace officers selected to serve in public schools, with the knowledge and skills to serve as law enforcement officers, teachers, and counselors whose primary goal is to reduce campus crime and provide a safer environment for students and school staff. In addition, SROs are trained to build relationships with students that will positively impact students' views of the criminal justice system and the community. The second section of this document presents the content for 16 topics recommended for the core course curricula. The topics include the history and organization of the juvenile justice system; legal issues relevant to education, minors, and school grounds; school disciplinary systems; typical roles and responsibilities of the SRO; common adolescent behavior and emotional issues; resources available to school resource officers; communication, partnering, and relationship building; counseling, interviewing, mediation, and problem solving techniques; and school crisis planning and emergency response procedures. The concluding section contains supporting materials and references, including learning principles, teaching methods and exercises, and interactions with trainees.