Sheridan SRO seeks to change the perception of law enforcement

Since the early 2000’s the Sheridan Police Department has assigned officers to the School Resource Officer Program. 

According To SPD Captain Tom Ringley, two School Resource Officers are currently assigned to schools in the department’s jurisdiction. 

SPD School Resource Officer Ben Hawkins wanted to be an officer early in his life. Hawkins is the SRO at Sheridan High School. During the school week, he works to not only patrol the hallways and protect the youth of the high school, but change the perception of law enforcement in the eyes of the youth in the community. 

Of the two positions in Sheridan, Ringley informed Sheridan Media that Sheridan County School District #2 covers 75% of the funding for their SRO. The remaining 25% of the first position and 100% of the second position is funded by General Purpose Excise Tax funds. 

Also serving as an SRO is Officer Howie Fitzpatrick at the Sheridan Junior High School.

According to Ringley, all patrol officers make visits to the elementary schools to supplement SRO coverage.  

The cost depends on the wages of the assigned officers. SPD officers wages vary depending on time in service and performance appraisals, according to Ringley.

According to the National Association of School Resource Officers, researchers at Carleton University conducted a two-year study of an SRO program. In their report, published by Routledge in 2019, they concluded that for every dollar invested in the program, a minimum of $11.13 of social and economic value was created. The report lists numerous benefits of the program, including:

Prevention or minimization of property damage in the school and surrounding areas.

Prevention of student injuries and even death due to violence, drug overdoses, etc.

Reduction of the need for schools to call 911.

Reduction of the likelihood that a student will get a criminal record.

Increase of the likelihood that students (particularly those with mental health issues) will get the help they need from the social service and health care systems.

Increase in feelings of safety among students and staff.