SROs’ roles on school campuses and how they have addressed recent school threats

Throughout the 2018-19 school year, News 11 has reported on at least 10 threats to schools in Yuma County.

School resource officers work hand in hand with the local school districts to make sure students are safe at all times.

” Keeping [the students safe] is what we’re about, ” said Sgt. Pete Olea , Yuma Police Department school services.

One threat was found written on a bathroom wall and at least four stemmed from social media applications like Facebook and Snapchat .

Sergeant Pete Olea explained he does not think there has been a spike or drop in school threats. He thinks there is more awareness about them.

If a threat is made, police investigate the threat and consequences for the student vary case by case, according to Sgt. Olea .

“It can range anywhere between talking to the student’s parents and then allowing the school to handle it administratively all the way to a student being potentially charged with terrorism, disruption of an educational facility, threats, etcetera,” said Sgt. Olea .

This is only part of a school resource officer’s (SRO) job, they also serve as mentors.

“Their second [purpose] is they are a law-related educator and lastly they are a role model, a mentor to the students, ” said Sgt. Olea . ” It allows the officer to talk to students, so they can try to get to know that officer and know that we’re not all robots. We’re human beings too. ”