SPD Captain: School safety is the highest priority to law enforcement

Sheridan Police Department Captain Tom Ringley appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss the department’s role in keeping schools safe, including Lieutenant James Hill serving as liaison to the district and Officer Megan Phillips as the School Resource Officer (SRO).

The department is allotted two SRO slots on its roster. Currently, Phillips fills one of those roles, with other officers rotating the duty until a second permanent SRO is selected.

Capt. T. Ringley

Ringley said a daily presence in schools allows officers to provide immediate intervention, mitigation and assistance with problem resolution.

He added the SPD works closely with the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, EMTs and other local first responders to develop school safety practices and procedures, which are evaluated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.

Lt. Hill serves as the SPD liaison to the Sheridan County School Districts. 

Capt. T. Ringley

Ringley emphasized that school safety remains the highest priority for law enforcement. A veteran of the force with over 20-years behind the shield, he said he dislikes quotas in policing—except for one.  Officers are required to visit schools at random times throughout the duty day, a practice he says officers look forward to as they patrol.