Making the case for SROs in Delaware

Last week, I had the opportunity to testify before a legislative committee about an issue I care deeply about: school safety. The focus of my testimony was to support funding for a proposed bill that would increase the number of school resource officers in Delaware schools. As someone who has served as an SRO with two police agencies and now trains officers nationwide through the National Association of School Resource Officers, I've seen firsthand the positive impact a properly selected and trained SRO can have on a school community.

While I am passionate about the SRO position, I also respect those who express concerns or oppose placing police in schools. Many arguments against SROs stem from the school-to-prison pipeline theory, popularized by a 2011 article, which claims that school-based policing increases juvenile arrests and contributes to long-term negative outcomes for students. However, as a lifelong Delawarean and someone who has dedicated my career to making schools safer, I want to offer a perspective rooted in facts and experience.

Let's start with the data. In Delaware, SROs play a key role in the Juvenile Civil Citation Program, which provides an alternative to arrest for first-time, low-level juvenile offenders. Since 2015, Delaware's SROs have been the primary facilitators of this program, offering students an opportunity to take accountability for their actions without entering the justice system. This program isn't mandated; it's an option that SROs use to protect students from the lifelong consequences of an arrest record. Far from contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline, Delaware's SROs actively work to divert students away from the justice system and toward more productive outcomes.

It's also worth noting two national trends that correlate with the rise of SRO programs. First, juvenile arrest rates have fallen by more than 80% in the past 25 years, according to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention data. While many factors contribute to this decline, the rise in SRO programs has likely played a role in early intervention and prevention. Second, U.S. graduation rates have steadily risen over the past two decades, reaching an all-time high of 86%, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Although there's no direct causal link, these positive trends suggest that SROs contribute to creating safer, more supportive environments where students can thrive academically.

Of course, the success of SRO programs depends entirely on the quality of the officers selected and the training they receive. Not every police officer is suited for the unique demands of working in schools. The right candidate is someone who can build trust with students, parents and staff, making schools not only safer but more welcoming. Comprehensive training is essential and should include topics such as de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, adolescent brain development, supporting students with disabilities and active assailant response.

The argument that schools need more mental health services is not lost on me – in fact, I fully support it. School counselors, social workers and mental health professionals play a critical role in fostering student well-being, and addressing the underlying issues that can impact both academic success and behavior. What often goes unrecognized, however, is the close partnership that exists between school resource officers and school counselors. This relationship is not one of exclusivity but one of collaboration, where the unique skills and expertise of both professionals complement each other to better support students.

SROs often work hand in hand with school counselors to identify students in crisis, connect them to appropriate resources, and intervene before minor issues escalate into more significant problems. Whether helping a student navigate a difficult situation at home or addressing a behavioral challenge, SROs and counselors together form a safety net that extends beyond any single discipline. This partnership highlights the importance of supporting both mental health services and the presence of well-trained SROs in schools – each brings a different but equally vital perspective to the table.

Rather than framing this as a choice between mental health professionals and SROs, it's essential to recognize that a comprehensive approach to school safety and student support requires both. These roles are interconnected, not interchangeable, and each deserves strong support and investment to ensure the well-being and safety of every student.

A single letter cannot fully capture the complexities of the SRO role or address every concern. My hope is to provide some clarity for those grappling with the positions posed by both supporters and opponents of SRO programs. At its core, this issue isn't about choosing sides; it's about ensuring our schools are places where students feel safe, supported and equipped to succeed. 

While the decision not to fund this bill is disappointing, I am hopeful that the conversation around school safety will continue, informed by data, experience and a shared commitment to doing what's best for our students.