School Resource Officer

JOB SUMMARY:

School Resource Officers (S.R.O.) are responsible for classroom lesson plan development and presentation, counseling students serving as positive role models, and providing safety and security for students, faculty, staff and visitors of the Hall County School System. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide the students, faculty, staff, and visitors with the opportunity to meet and interact with a law enforcement officer in a non-confrontational setting.

Provide for the safety and security of the school’s students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Act as a deterrent to crime in the school building, on the school campus, and in the community surrounding the school not only through the uniformed presence, but also by developing positive relationships.

Provide classroom instruction and act as a resource for information to students, faculty, and staff concerning topics of law, personal rights and responsibilities, and other law enforcement-related topics.

Provide informal counseling and guidance within context of training, experience and policies.  Informal counseling can include career counseling, Law and Community Services related information, support to students, staff, and parents.

Participate in at least one (1) faculty meeting and one (1) P.T.O. meeting at the assigned school(s), primarily for the purpose of explaining the School Resource Officer (S.R.O.) Program.

Make themselves available, as time permits, for conferencing with students, parents, and faculty members in order to assist them with problems of a law enforcement or crime prevention nature. 

Respond to emergency situations that arise on campus and take whatever law enforcement action is needed to resolve the situation. 

Attend sporting events and other school functions as needed by the school.

Conduct traffic control prior to and after school.

Assist the Hall County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division in the investigation of crimes, which occur on school grounds.  The S.R.O. will contact additional law enforcement personnel to assist him/her as needed.

Enforce the laws of the State of Georgia.

Communicate with school administration about law enforcement concerns on campus.   This would include illegal drug activity, campus security, criminal gang activity, and other illegal activity. 

Communicate with the appropriate government agency concerning any suspected child abuse as required under the mandated reporter law.

Be present on campus during normal school hours.

Conduct formal interviews with a students, as needed,.  The S.R.O. shall adhere to Hall County Sheriff’s Office and school administration policy regarding such interviews.  If possible, these formal interviews should be audio and / or video recorded. 

Assist all law enforcement agencies and state agencies conducting interviews, arrests, or other actions.  The S.R.O. will follow school policy concerning such incidents.

Maintain a weekly incident/activity report.  This report will include all investigations, arrests, classroom instructions, interviews, criminal gang activity, hours worked, and any other important information concerning the S.R.O.’s workweek.  The original will be sent to the Operations Division Commander with a copy forwarded to the principal of the respective schools(s).

Maintain a zero tolerance policy on all criminal gang activity, illegal drug activity, weapons on campus, and campus violence.  Criminal charges will be filed as appropriate and case files sent to the court of jurisdiction;

Provide assistance in situations in which the principal believes an incident is in violation of the Laws of the State of Georgia.  The S.R.O. shall determine whether a law enforcement response is appropriate.  S.R.O.’s are not to be used for enforcing violations of school policy or monitoring duties.  Violations of school policy observed by the S.R.O. shall be brought to the attention of the appropriate school administrator; 

Attend pre-planning meetings with the school administration and instructional staff of the assigned school for a complete orientation of the S.R.O. program.  These meetings should be held at least annually prior to the start of the school year.   The S.R.O. will attend other School administration meetings when requested and/or as appropriate; 

Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Perform other related duties as required. 

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Firearms                               Police Radio                                         Police Vehicle                      Camera  
 Computer                              Handcuffs

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Two (2) years’ experience as a Deputy Sheriff

One (1) year Patrol experience - PREFERRED

Licenses and Certifications:

Georgia Basic Law Enforcement P.O.S.T. Certification

Valid Class C Driver’s License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of Federal, State, and County laws and procedures

Knowledge of first aid techniques

Ability to work well with young people and educators

Ability to prepare and present lesson plans on law enforcement-related topics

Ability to analyze complex problems and situations and to adapt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action in each situation

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing

Skill in the care and use of firearms

ADA Minimum Qualifications:

Physical Ability:  Essential functions continuously require the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing); move oneself by walking a variety of environments; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs, twisting at the waist, hips or knees; move oneself by crawling on hands and knees; ascend and descend ladders, stairs, and ramps; maintain body equilibrium to prevent failing when walking, standing, or navigating narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces; reach overhead; repetitively use hands/arms/legs; grasp items; and move/transport items up to 25lbs. Incumbents constantly must think analytically; handle stress and emotion, concentrate on tasks, remember names and other details; examine and observe details; make decisions, and adjust to change. Additionally, essential functions continuously require incumbents to be on call and work irregular hours (nights, weekends, holidays); attend work related meetings and trainings; direct others; handle confidential information; maintain stamina during the work day; meet deadlines; operate equipment; stay organized; use math/calculations; and use a keyboard or type..

Essential functions frequently require the ability to position oneself by crouching or kneeling and to push or pull items. Occasionally, incumbents must move/transport items 26lbs and over. 

Sensory Requirements:  Essential Functions require the ability to use effective verbal and written communication; use of hand/eye coordination and fine manipulation to use tools and equipment; visually discern differences in color.

Environmental Factors:  Essential functions are continuously performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including inclement weather; extreme hot or cold temperatures; humidity and moisture; dry environments; possible bodily injury from hazards including biological, chemical, sharp objects/tools, heavy machinery, traffic; and dry environments. Incumbents will be required to work alone or with others continuously. 

Essential functions are frequently performed with exposure to dirt/mud, fumes, gases, odors, dust, grease, and oil; moving mechanical parts;, extreme noise; wet slippery floors/surfaces. 

Essential functions are occasionally performed with exposure to extreme inside temperatures (heat/cold); risk of bodily injury from electrical or radiation hazards; falling from high places/high heights; constrict spaces; hot devices including burners or flame torches; and vibration.

Incumbents must operate vehicles, work around equipment and machinery and be able to walk on uneven ground.

This class specification should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.  It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job.   The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.