A partnership between the Norman Police Department and the Norman Public Schools District, School Resource Officers are focused on enhancing the safety and security of students and staff.
School Resource Officers are sworn law enforcement officers who are charged with providing safety and security services in schools across the district and also are seen as confidants and mentors that students can turn to in times of need.
Collaboration with the Norman Police Department provides the district with officers who have participated in enhanced training programs and bring a wealth of experience to their positions. In addition to traditional police training, officers have participated in national workshops for school resource officers and professional development focused on working with students who have special needs.
The program is slated for a multi-year implementation. Currently, two officers are assigned to each high school and one officer is assigned to each of the four middle schools. The district and police department work together closely to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each organization to ensure routine discipline issues continue to be addressed by school administrators, rather than by police officers. We continue to utilize robust planning sessions and training to ensure best practices are in place for students' safety.
The School Resource Section is part of the Community & Staff Services Bureau. The section is under the leadership of one lieutenant. Eight police officers are currently assigned to this section with one in each of the four middle schools and two in each high school.