School Resource Officer
$5,200 sign-on incentive. Salary will be commensurate with training and experience.
The Fredericksburg Police department is accepting applications for the position of School Resource Officer. The School Resource Officer (SRO) position is responsible for the prevention, detection, investigation, and prosecution of criminal violations that happen on Fredericksburg City School property or events. The SRO position works a fixed schedule. The SRO position also requires work outside the normal schedule to complete the mission. This includes but is not limited to dances, athletic events, and shift extensions.
As sworn law enforcement officers, the SRO will assume a leadership role in law enforcement and public safety matters in schools. The law enforcement role can be effective when the officer assigned to a school:
Duties:
- Assumes primary responsibility for handling all calls for service from the school and coordinates the response of other police resources to the school.
- Serves as a liaison between the school and the police and to provide information to students and school personnel about law enforcement matters.
- Is advised of all situations where other units within the law enforcement agency have provided services to the school.
- Provides information to the appropriate investigative units of crimes or leads that come to the attention of the officer.
- Is kept advised of all investigations by other units that involve students from his/her assigned school.
- Ensures school administrator safety by being present during incidents that may involve weapons, controlled dangerous substances or in such cases that the student’s emotional state may present a serious risk to the administrator.
- Adhere to the guidelines of the MOU with Fredericksburg City Public Schools.
SRO may also serve as a member of schools’ threat assessment teams and assist in monitoring of subject students as well as determining the need, if any, for law enforcement action. Beyond responding to calls for service, the law enforcement officer brings to the school setting expertise in crime prevention. Focusing on crime prevention, SRO will assist school administrators in problem-solving to address school crime and disorder in collaboration with other City departments, available resources or members of the community.
Preferred Skills and Abilities:
Candidates must possess an avid interest in being a School Resource Officer and should possess the following in order to be successful:
- Certified as a School Resource Officer
- A demonstrated ability, interest, and skills necessary to work with youth, school personnel, and the public to solve problems.
- A desire to serve as a SRO based on a sound understanding of roles and responsibilities associated with the assignment
- Ability to work well with children and youth either as a law enforcement officer or in other substantive roles (e.g., volunteer work, coaching, church youth activities)
- Character traits known to be associated with SRO success (e.g., calm, approachable, patient, empathetic, flexible, mature, able to work with people from diverse populations)
- Evidence of dependability, sound judgement, and ability to work hard and independently
- Ability to work effectively with students, parents, teachers, and school administrators
- An understanding of the importance of diversion programs and alternatives to arrest
- Respect for youth and families of all backgrounds and cultures
- An understanding of developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed practices for interacting with youth
- Strong interpersonal communication skills
- Strong public speaking ability
- Effective law-related teaching and mentoring skills
- An interest in promoting and enriching the lives of youth
- Knowledge of the specific needs and local concerns of the community
NOTE: No significance should be placed on the order of these skills and abilities.
Come be part of a knowledgeable and amazing work team committed to excellence in serving a thriving and growing community. All City employees are committed to our
City’s Core Values. This position is open until filled. For questions or to apply, contact Sergeant Chris Menck at
fpdrecruiting@pd.fredericksburgva.gov or 540-654-5929.
Additional information about our hiring process may be found on the Fredericksburg Police Department’s web page:
Employment | Fredericksburg, VA - Official Website (fredericksburgva.gov)
City of Fredericksburg
Human Resources Department
P. O. Box 7447
Fredericksburg, VA 22404-7447
HR@fredericksburgva.gov
