School Resource Officers

History of the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program in Irving

The School Resource Officer (SRO) program was established in 1985 as the Youth Action Center (YAC) program with the assistance of a Criminal Justice Division grant. One officer was assigned to each of the three high schools and one officer to every two middle schools for a total of six officers. Enrollment for the Irving Independent School District (IISD) was slightly over 20,000 students. In 1993, enrollment had grown to almost 25,000 students and the SRO program expanded to include seven additional officers and a sergeant. There were also three officers assigned to alternative education campuses and three more officers dedicated to elementary schools. Currently, there are 21 SROs providing law enforcement services to approximately 33,000 Irving ISD students and approximately 4,000 Carrollton / Farmers Branch ISD students.

What is a School Resource Officer?

An SRO is a member of a select group of specially trained, veteran officers assigned to schools on a full-time basis. The Irving Police SRO Unit subscribes to the "Triad" concept which includes the SRO serving as a law enforcement officer, educator, and counselor.

Law Enforcer

The SRO works to protect and maintain a safe and secure environment for educators and students. The SRO investigates and takes appropriate action related to criminal activity occurring on the assigned campus.

Educator

The SRO serves as a guest classroom instructor, teaching law-related material holding relevance to the school learning objectives.

Counselor

The SRO also serves as an informal advisor and conflict mediator to students. Students are encouraged to seek advice from their SRO in an effort to keep issues from developing into more serious problems.

An SRO is Not

An SRO is not a classroom or administrative disciplinarian. Although the officer works within an educational environment, the SRO is a sworn Irving police officer. The SRO's responses are limited to law violations or safety-related incidents. School-related discipline is left to school officials.

Additional SRO Duties

The SROs also coordinates a variety of programs such as Police Explorers, Campus Crime Stoppers, PRIDE, Summer Hoops / Kicks, and Police Athletics League, as well as providing assistance to neighborhood merchants and residents regarding school or student-related issues.