301822

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SPECIAL ORDER Effective Date: February 20, 2024  Amends - SO 16.0 ( August 5, 2022 ) Number: 16.0 Distribution: SRO Personnel Review Month: June Reviewing Authority: SSD / Youth Services Subject: School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for all School Resource Officer (SRO) program personnel. 2. Procedures A. Position/Training Requirements SRO requirements are established in GO 12.1. 1. B. Specialized Training Whenever possible, supervisors shall confirm that SRO deputies participate in special t raining seminars during teacher workdays, holidays, summer sessions, and upon supervisor’s and/or the agency's request. C. Leave Time In accordance with GO 4.1.3 , Sick Leave and Sick Leave Alternatives, notification of illness must be made to your immediate supervisor. SRO deputies shall also notify the principal or designee of any absence. D. Assignments 1. Tour of Duty a. Duty hours will correspond to the school day in assigned schools and will be adjusted as needed b. SRO deputies shall minimize time off campus. Personnel shall not leave the school grounds without permission of their assigned supervisor. In all cases the SRO shall make reasonable efforts to notify the principal or designee. 2. Directed Patrol When school is not in session, SRO deputies shall participate in directed patrol or other duties assigned by his/her supervisor. At the discretion of the Division Commander or designee, when workload permits, SRO deputies assigned to the SRO program may work with a Patrol Squad to maintain their proficiency in report writing, complaint handling and other patrol procedures. 16.0, Page 2 of 5 3. School Assignment SRO deputies shall be assigned based on section needs at the discretion of the section commander or designee. 4. SRO duties will include but not be limited to: a. The primary duty of an SRO is to secure a safe environment for students, administration, and visitors. b. Facilitate/ participate in monthly Threat Assessment Team meetings, Emergency Drills, annual Active Assailant/ Hostage Training, annual CIRP (Critical Incident Response Plan) update, and conduct an annual tour and assessment of the campus to provide recomm endations related to school safety. c. SRO’s shall teach approved curriculum to the students when primary duties allow. d. Liaison with the principals and faculty at each school where personnel are assigned. e. Provide guest lectures to classes as requested by sc hool administrators and approved by supervisors, when primary duties allow. f. Shall be available for conference with students, parents, and faculty members, and to assist them with problems of a law enforcement nature, when primary duties allow. g. Shall be fa miliar with community agencies which offer assistance to youths and their families such as mental health clinics, drug treatment centers, etc. h. Address calls for service and conduct criminal investigations at their schools as well as requests from parents a nd administrators to conduct counseling, coaching and/or mentoring sessions with students, when primary duties allow. E. Supervisor's Responsibilities SRO supervisors shall direct SRO deputies who are assigned to the elementary, middle and high schools and help personnel develop a positive relationship with the students, faculty and administration within the Orange County Public School System. SRO supervisors shall: 1. Maintain a liaison w ith the principals and administrators at each school where personnel are assigned. 2. Monitor SRO deputy activity on a daily basis including statistics, payroll, reports and other documents. 3. Resolve problems with parents, school administrators, students and citizens. 4. Perform other administrative duties (e.g., evaluations, counseling). 5. Inspect equipment and personnel on a regular basis. 16.0, Page 3 of 5 6. Perform other job duties as required. F. Attire SRO deputies shall wear the prescribed uniform and accessories when repo rting for duty unless otherwise directed by a unit supervisor. G. Critical Incident Response 1. The SRO and the school principal shall immediately conduct an initial evaluation and assessment of the critical incident in order to validate its accuracy. a. The SRO shall: 1. Upon validation of a critical incident immediately notify the Communication Center of the incident and the “Danger Zone” boundaries for responding units, if known. 2. Identify and validate the threat, to include the number of suspects/vic tims, lo cation of the suspects/victims, type of weapon(s) involved and the possibility of explosives. 3. Contact their SRO supervisor. 4. Safely render aid to any injured individuals if necessary. 5. Attempt to secure and contain the crime scene. b. The SR O supervisor shall: 1. Respond immediately to the scene. 2. Notify the SRO chain of command. 3. Establish and maintain contact with the SRO in the school. 4. Assist the on scene uniform patrol supervisor in establishing the inner and outer perimeters. 5. Call for additional SRO deputies to assist, if necessary, and have them respond to the “Staging Area”. 2. Refer to GO 6.2.25 , National Incident Management System (NIMS), for Incident Command procedures. 3. Establish Parent