The strong partnership these professionals have with the schools and the positive influence they have on the lives of students in our community makes a difference each day.
Currently, the Casper Police Department has six active SRO’s in schools, including a Sergeant, the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office provides additional School Resource Officer services in rural schools, and the Evansville Police Department offers SRO support Evansville.
School Resources Officers are a vital part of the partnership between NCSD and Natrona County Law Enforcement. These officers assist in providing a safe learning environment while acting as an essential resource to schools. Each SRO has a dedicated interest in promoting and fostering a positive relationship with students and the community while providing superior policing services and a dedication to the safety of the Casper community.
The commitment to dedicate these police officers to serve directly in our schools has been an unqualified success. The Casper Police Department looks forward to enhancing the relationship with NCSD as well as improving the ongoing relationship with students in each school. “We are proud to help shape the future of our community. It’s a duty that we value, strive to honor daily, and place as a high priority. We are here to keep kids and staff safe while serving as a valuable resource to the school,” said Casper Police Department Sergeant Jones. “We work to create positive relationships with our community, we want students to see a positive side of law enforcement, to know they can trust us, and they can count on us.”
Throughout the year, School Resources Officers visit classrooms to help educate students on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, appropriate social media use, laws regarding juvenile crime, and other safety topics. By building these relationships of mutual trust and respect, students are provided the direct opportunity to report activities and crimes they are aware of that impact the safety of their learning environment and the community. “We appreciate the opportunity to guide and mentor students, to be a sounding board for them as they navigate through the obstacles and challenges they may be facing,” said Chief Keith McPheeters.
NCSD officials work with local law enforcement partners to address areas of collaboration that support the District Comprehensive Framework for School Safety. Programs and initiatives such as Caring About Student Success (CASS), facility safety audits, and quarterly analysis help support our collective commitment to safe and healthy learning environments.
Together with the State of Wyoming, NCSD and local law enforcement launched Safe2Tell Wyoming in 2016. The tip line has been a critical tool for students and community members to utilize to confidentially report behaviors that may be harmful or unsafe to oneself or the school environment. Education, awareness, and early intervention to improve school safety are key components of the Safe2Tell Program. Working closely with the Safe2Tell program, School Resource Officers (SRO’s) strive to integrate these foundational components into their daily interactions with students.
During the school year, Natrona County Sheriff’s deputies visit with students at our rural schools in hopes of leaving a lasting positive impression on them. Deputies visit with students in the classroom and on the playground, answering any questions they may have and building a strong rapport with them. Oftentimes, deputies walk away better after having that special interaction with students. “We’re grateful to have the opportunity to provide a safe educational environment in our schools. Our deputies enjoy mentoring students and supporting the work teachers and staff do in our local classrooms,” said Sheriff John Harlin.
Chief Thompson of the Evansville Police Department appreciates the opportunity to further connect with the community while making a positive impact, “The interactions with the students is of the most importance. The kids like to see the officers and they get to see that we are human just like everybody else. It builds those positive relationships. It also helps the kids know that they are safe here."
“We are incredibly fortunate for and grateful to the Casper Police Department, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, Evansville Police Department, Mills Police Department, Wyoming Highway Patrol, and all others who assist us in providing safe and healthy learning environments for students, staff, and school visitors,” shared Superintendent Mike Jennings. “School Resource Officers (SRO’s) serve as an integral resource for ensuring safe and protected school communities. We appreciate their work today and always.”
As partner agencies, we are committed to working together with students, staff, parents, and our community to systematically create an environment that places the safety of all students, staff, and school visitors as our top priority while ensuring educational excellence in Natrona County.