National Association of School Resource Officers & School Psychologists: Responding to Tragic Events

On behalf of the members of the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan are hearts and prayers are with the families of  Clackamas Oregon Shopping Center and Newtown Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary school after the reports of the tragic shooting events this week.  Officers are trained to engage and stop incidents such as these and both incidents weight heavy on all involved. At our recent C.P.A.M. conference, we had a representative from the National Association of School Resource Officers provide a presentation to our members and participated in a video interview that will be posted in an upcoming blog. We talked about the role of the School Resource Officer (SRO) and the importance of having police interact with students daily, information being brought to their attention, and students concerns about a rumor or something being planned that may cause harm to others. S.R.O.'s establish relationships and students trust them and are more willing to share a concern, a very important part of maintaining school safety.

Many of our school districts are having to eliminate the S.R.O. positions due to budget constraints but if there is any possibility to bring those officers back into your buildings, we strongly encourage school boards and administrators to adjust your financial forecasting to bring them back! We applaud police administrators and municipalities that make school safety a priority even during these tough economic times.

The National Association of School Psychologists has a list of great resources for schools, families and the community. I've added the link to their website for additional resources. We'd also like to recognize the tremendous acts of bravery by the teachers and staff today at the Sandy Hook Elementary school to keep the students out of harms way and to protect them. Schools across the country participate in lock-down and fire drills. Today exemplified why those drills are so important.

I've also provided a link to the N.A.S.R.O's website with resources and tips on protection in our schools.  Please, we need every person in our community to be the "eyes and ears" and report suspicious persons and activity that may impact others. Furthermore, students if you are reading a message forwarded from a  social network or text messages about a student planning to commit a dangerous act at a school or in the community, please tell a trusted adult immediately! Thank you, the life you save may be your own.

NASRO - 12/14, statement on school shooting

National Assoc.of School Resource Officers

National Association of School Psychologists

N.A.of School Psychologists

National Assoc. of School Psychologists