What is a Community Resource Officer? (CRO)
The Community Resource Officer (CRO) from the Richland Center Police Department is responsible for safety and crime prevention in our schools and works closely with District administrators to maintain a safe environment for all. The officer is stationed at Richland Center High School but travels across the District in support of our schools.
The CRO’s primary goal is to develop and nurture positive relationships with students and staff to promote a strong sense of community by building connections with all students and staff. The CRO will also be focused on promoting safety, monitoring concerns, and providing feedback on ways to improve our plans and procedures. The goal of the Community Resource Officer is to allow students to see the CRO as a consistent and trusted adult in their everyday lives, so that they may feel comfortable working with him in times of need or in the event of an emergency.
The Role of the Community Resource Officer (CRO)
The CRO is not a school disciplinarian and violations of the student code of conduct or school rules that are not criminal matters are handled by school faculty and staff, not the CRO. The CRO also does not question or enforce the legal immigration status of students or families.
The CRO will not intervene unless a situation involves criminal conduct or poses an imminent threat to the health, safety, and security of a student or others.
The CRO’s responsibilities are multifaceted and typically include things like:
- Meeting regularly with District Administration about school safety issues
- Developing and maintaining relationships with the Richland School District and Richland Center community to support school safety efforts
- Being visible throughout the District as an agent of school safety
- Participating in school safety drills
- Providing educational programs based on the needs of our students
- Conducting student well-being checks
- Participating on the District’s safety team and contributing to updates on the District’s Crisis Management Plan
- Helping students develop a positive relationship with law enforcement
Please see contact information for our Community Resource Officer below:
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