SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
School Resource Officer (SRO) Program
Overview and Program History
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office placed its first School Resource Officers (SROs) in Frederick County Public Middle Schools on May 1st, 2000. A United States Department of Justice Cops in Schools Grant was obtained to jump start the program. This grant enabled the Sheriff’s Office to hire 11 additional Deputies. The inaugural unit was supervised by a Sergeant with eight Deputies and two Corporals assigned to all 10 Frederick County Middle Schools. In 2005, the Sheriff’s Office SRO Program was recognized as a Model Program by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). In 2016, the SRO Program Supervisor was honored with a National School Safety Award from the School Safety Advocacy Council.
After nearly 20 years of operation, the program has adapted throughout the years. Based on program review, evaluation, and community input, our focus moved to high school populations. Currently, the program is structured with Deputies assigned to 10 Frederick County Public High Schools. With the high school as a base, Sheriff’s Office SROs provide service and a roving presence to the feeder middle and elementary schools outside of areas covered by municipal police departments. The City of Frederick also provides School Resource Officers that work with schools located within the municipal boundaries of the City of Frederick.
With the Maryland Safe to Learn Act signed into law by Governor Hogan in April of 2018, more changes are anticipated for School Resource Officer programs across the state. The long and successful history of the Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer program ensures that it will be prepared for future challenges.
Current Program Operation
The School Resource Officer program assigns law enforcement officers in designated Frederick County High Schools and school feeders with the goal of creating and maintaining a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment for students and faculty members.
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FCSO School Resource Deputies:
1.) Are the primary law enforcement officer for their assigned schools, investigating and handling crimes that occur inside of the schools and on the school's property.
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2.) Serve as the primary liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and the school's faculty, students and parents.
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3.) Act as positive role models who at times function as teachers of law related topics, and counselors providing guidance related to law enforcement issues.
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4.) Do not enforce routine school rules and are not involved in routine school discipline.
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Partner agencies
The following local jurisdictions provide School Resource Officers or primary service to these schools:
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Thurmont Primary School
Thurmont Elementary School
Thurmont Middle School
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Brunswick Elementary School
Brunswick Middle School
Brunswick High School
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Twin Ridge Elementary School
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Lincoln Elementary School
Parkway Elementary School
Monocacy Elementary School
North Frederick Elementary School
Rock Creek Elementary School
Waverly Elementary School
Butterfly Elementary School
Whittier Elementary School
Hillcrest Elementary School
West Frederick Middle School
Monocacy Middle School
Thomas Johnson Middle School
Success School
Frederick County Career & Technology Center
Classical Charter
Montessori Day School
Heather Ridge School
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