October 24, 2023 --The article below was written by the Regina Police Service. Regina Public Schools and Regina Catholic Schools recently completed a review of the School Resource Program. You can read the full report here.
At the October 17, 2023 meeting of the Regina Board of Education, the Board voted Six to One in approval of the following motion relating to the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program.
That the Board receive the SRO Review Report and direct the Director of Education/CEO to work with Regina Catholic Schools and the Regina Police Service to update the SRO program and to develop a plan to implement culturally appropriate efforts toward Indigenous and BIPOC students, gender diverse students, students who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, vulnerable students, and all diverse populations.
Enhancements to be considered will include:
Designing a robust governance model, including a student advisory body;
• Refining the role of SROs, with priority on student relationship building;
• Reviewing and recommending enhancements to SRO recruitment, hiring and training practices;
• Implementing a systematic approach to regularly monitor (at least annually) and evaluate the impacts of the SRO program;
• Collaboration among Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leaders in Regina Public Schools, Regina Catholic Schools, and the Regina Police Service; and,
• Conducting a full review every three to five years including developing alternative approaches to the SRO program.
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Safe schools. It’s a priority for parents, teachers, administrators, caregivers and our community as a whole.
It’s also a priority for the Regina Police Service. For 40+ years, the School Resource Officer (SRO) program has operated in conjunction with school divisions to play a role in creating and maintaining safe schools.
The SRO program consists of 15 positions; 1 Sergeant who oversees all operations, 2 Corporals and 12 Constables. Each of the 14 officers who are working in the schools are assigned to 1 high school and multiple elementary schools in the same general area.
“All of our SROs were students at one time. Many were even students in Regina and had positive interactions with their own SROs,” said Sgt. Jarod Korchinski. “The goal of the SRO program is to build positive relationships with students, parents and school staff while integrating themselves into the school environment.”
The program ensures a consistent contact for students and families. When someone requires police intervention, especially a young person, having a familiar face respond often results in quicker conclusions, and ones with lasting, positive effects. SROs are an important part of crime prevention in the community, and also play a vital role in building trust between young people and the police.
What do School Resource Officers do?
- Topics include: bullying, cyber and social media safety, domestic violence, gangs, drugs, etc.
- Safety protocol is carried out with a collaborative approach so police, school staff and students know their roles in an emergency situation.
- Responding to incidents including: fights, drugs and alcohol related incidents, violence, weapons, etc. Also includes investigations into cyber-crime, bullying, stalking, etc.
- Addressing issues by meeting with teachers, school admin, parents, and students. SROs proceed with mediation over laying criminal charges wherever possible.
Activities/Events (Approximately 60 per year)
- Attending pep rallies, school assemblies, sporting events, powwows, student-led activities, etc.
In 2023, SROs are present in 14 high schools, 81 elementary schools and 10 alternate schools and programs in Regina. You may recognize them by their Regina Police Service uniform but may not be aware that SROs often wear street clothes while working in schools.
For more on the program and to see a list of all SROs: Regina Police Service – School Resource Officers
-Submitted by the Regina Police Service
