Our children, teachers, school staff's safety is essential to all parents and the community at large.

The violence inside our schools has reached an all-time high; multiple fights have been reported daily, and kids are being caught with firearms inside the school premises. It is clear that some students are taking advantage of the security vacuum created by the absence of SROs to spread fear and violence inside our schools, compromising the safety and learning of our kids, teachers, and staff.

Schools resource officers have a long history of partnering together for the safety of students. Strong relationships have strengthened the ability of both agencies to prepare for and respond to criminal and threatening incidents that occur in school settings. School resource officer programs provide the crucial link between school districts and law enforcement agencies in their continued efforts to establish and maintain secure and safe learning environments.

SROs can be a valuable part of the school staff and an essential link between students, teachers, administrators, the police, and the community. They can deter and respond to criminal behavior at school. They can provide security and coordinate response during emergencies. As role models, they build a bond between young people and law enforcement that gives understanding from both sides. SROs can engage with students at special events and help create an inclusive environment free from bullying. Students who feel safe become better learners and better citizens. School Resource Officers are not meant to be the school disciplinarian. Still, their presence assists the students, staff, and administrators focus on education & feel safe during their school day.

Please support this endeavor to protect our children, teachers, and school staff from threats of violence against our community!

We, the parents, students, and community members in the ACPS, implore you to look seriously at revisiting the SRO program in our District before we become another statistic in the school shooting list.