Request for a School Resource Officer at St. Margaret’s
Request for a School Resource Officer at St. Margaret’s
The Issue
To: The Diocese of Camden and School Administration
Subject: Request for a School Resource Officer at St. Margaret’s School
We, the parents, guardians, and members of the St. Margaret’s School community, respectfully request that the Diocese of Camden and the School Administration allow a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) at St. Margaret’s School.
We, family members, friends, and community, support the implementation of a SRO at St. Margaret’s school. No safety of any child should be jeopardized at anytime and we stand with the members of the St. Margaret’s community
On September 17, police officers were required to respond to an incident near the school. At the time, students in grades 5–8 were outside for recess. These children reported seeing police vehicles come down the street, block the entrances to the school, and officers exit their vehicles wearing protective vests with firearms drawn.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident, this was a frightening and traumatic experience for the students who witnessed it. Children deserve to feel safe wherever they are—especially at school, away from the comfort and security of their homes.
Having an SRO assigned to St. Margaret’s School could provide an immediate, trained law-enforcement presence during emergencies. An SRO would be familiar with the school, its students, staff, and safety procedures. Upon hearing an emergency call, the SRO could help coordinate an appropriate response, including:
Initiating or assisting with a lockdown;
Securing entrances and exits;
Closing shades and limiting students’ visibility;
Bringing students who are outside inside safely;
Communicating directly with responding officers and school personnel; and
Helping reassure students and staff during and after an emergency.
We understand that school safety requires a comprehensive approach, including emergency planning, communication, mental-health support, and cooperation among school officials, families, and law enforcement. An SRO would be an important part of that overall safety plan.
As a united school community, we are requesting meaningful action to strengthen safety at St. Margaret’s School. We want the peace of mind of knowing that our children are protected when they walk through the school doors each day. We ask the Diocese of Camden to work with St. Margaret’s School, local law enforcement, and our families to establish a dedicated SRO position as soon as possible.
Our children deserve to learn in an environment where they feel secure, supported, and protected. We respectfully ask that you listen to the concerns of our community and take immediate steps to address them.
Respectfully submitted,
We, the undersigned members of the St. Margaret’s School community, support the request for a dedicated School Resource Officer.
695
The Issue
To: The Diocese of Camden and School Administration
Subject: Request for a School Resource Officer at St. Margaret’s School
We, the parents, guardians, and members of the St. Margaret’s School community, respectfully request that the Diocese of Camden and the School Administration allow a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) at St. Margaret’s School.
We, family members, friends, and community, support the implementation of a SRO at St. Margaret’s school. No safety of any child should be jeopardized at anytime and we stand with the members of the St. Margaret’s community
On September 17, police officers were required to respond to an incident near the school. At the time, students in grades 5–8 were outside for recess. These children reported seeing police vehicles come down the street, block the entrances to the school, and officers exit their vehicles wearing protective vests with firearms drawn.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the incident, this was a frightening and traumatic experience for the students who witnessed it. Children deserve to feel safe wherever they are—especially at school, away from the comfort and security of their homes.
Having an SRO assigned to St. Margaret’s School could provide an immediate, trained law-enforcement presence during emergencies. An SRO would be familiar with the school, its students, staff, and safety procedures. Upon hearing an emergency call, the SRO could help coordinate an appropriate response, including:
Initiating or assisting with a lockdown;
Securing entrances and exits;
Closing shades and limiting students’ visibility;
Bringing students who are outside inside safely;
Communicating directly with responding officers and school personnel; and
Helping reassure students and staff during and after an emergency.
We understand that school safety requires a comprehensive approach, including emergency planning, communication, mental-health support, and cooperation among school officials, families, and law enforcement. An SRO would be an important part of that overall safety plan.
As a united school community, we are requesting meaningful action to strengthen safety at St. Margaret’s School. We want the peace of mind of knowing that our children are protected when they walk through the school doors each day. We ask the Diocese of Camden to work with St. Margaret’s School, local law enforcement, and our families to establish a dedicated SRO position as soon as possible.
Our children deserve to learn in an environment where they feel secure, supported, and protected. We respectfully ask that you listen to the concerns of our community and take immediate steps to address them.
Respectfully submitted,
We, the undersigned members of the St. Margaret’s School community, support the request for a dedicated School Resource Officer.
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Petition created on September 18, 2026