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WPD Introduces "Neighborhood" School Resource Officer Team
The Westerville Division of Police (WPD) recently welcomed three new school resource officers (SROs) to serve students throughout the Westerville City School District. SROs interact directly with students, teachers and administrators on a daily basis and are responsible for the safety of both students and faculty while also serving as mentors, educators and counselors, when needed.
The three new officers join five existing SROs, but will be designated as Neighborhood SROs. Neighborhood SROs primarily serve elementary school students and have an intentional presence within neighborhoods surrounding schools to establish ongoing positive relationships with community members.
“After the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas, at the elementary school, my team and I got together to come up with a plan to have three Neighborhood SROs that will be assigned to the elementary schools, help secure them and also be a liaison in the neighborhood,” said WPD Chief Charles Chandler. “The officers will already be on site if there are traffic problems or any other issues that police can assist with.”
The SRO program and the addition of the Neighborhood SROs is in support of the City’s goal to maintain safe and vibrant communities.
“With the support of Council and City administration, we were able to fill more SRO positions and create a new sergeant position who will directly supervise all of the SRO officers,” said Chief Chandler.
The SRO and Neighborhood SRO programs are unique opportunities for WPD and Westerville City Schools to expand their partnership for the benefit of young people throughout the community.
Prior to the addition of Neighborhood SROs, WPD SROs were located at Westerville North and Westerville South High Schools, and Blendon, Walnut Springs and Heritage Middle Schools.
“There are very few cities that provide SRO services to their elementary schools, and I think this is a pretty big deal,” said Chief Chandler.
Program Goals
Make the campus a safe environment for learning.
Foster a positive relationship between students, staff and law enforcement.
Encourage more cooperation between students and the police.
Reduce juvenile crime.
Seek alternative methods of enforcement that hold youth responsible for their actions while providing life-enhancing skills to address conflict.
Lead photo from left: Command Staff Sergeant Daniel Hord, Lieutenant Greg Franey with SROs Adam Dross - Westerville North High School, Keith Jackson - Westerville South High School, Jeff DixonBlendon Middle School, Scott Kirpan - Walnut Springs Middle School, Chad Campese - Heritage Middle School.
