Juvenile Education
In 2002 the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department in agreement with the Jefferson County Board of Education placed a full time deputy inside the Jefferson County High School. Seeing the positive effect on the students and staff, the Sheriff decided to expand the program by placing an additional deputy in the high school as well as a deputy in K-8 White Pine School, K-8 Rush Strong School and Jefferson Middle School.
As of 2002 all school-based officers were trained and P.O.S.T. certified as School Resource Officers. In addition, both K-8 officers are certified Drug Abuse Resistance Education instructors (D.A.R.E).
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
Jefferson County High School
Deputy (Open)
Office # 865-397-3182
Email:
Rush Strong School (K-8)
Deputy John Craig, SRO/DARE Instructor
Office # 865-933-5313
SRO Office # 865-933-3331
Jefferson Middle School
Deputy Grace Jones, SRO/DARE Instructor
Office # 865-471-6133
White Pine School ( K-8 )
Deputy
Office # 865-674-2596
Email:
D.A.R.E Program
What is a school resource officer?
A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a certified police officer who is assigned full-time to a school. All SRO'S are certified by the Tennessee Peace Officers Standards & Training and receive ongoing specialized training. The SRO is similar to a "Community Oriented Police" Officer who is a member of the community he or she serves and is aware of the special needs of his community.
The SRO is a person students and parents can turn to for help. A person they can respect and depend upon. A person with real answers.
The SRO Program was first implemented in Flint, Michigan in 1951. Since the program's inception it has successfully been put into practice in 35 states. While there are no nationwide statistics to reflect the number of young people SRO'S have guided away from delinquency, the general consensus of people familiar with the program is that SRO'S have proven to be a valuable, positive force in the lives of the school community. The SRO, faculty, staff and students can work together to build safer schools.
Instructor
SRO's visit classrooms to make presentations about the law, including drug education, police and their role in society, and the history of law enforcement. SRO's are also available as a resource for teachers in developing specialty programs, such as court procedures, citizenship, self-esteem, and forensic science. Through classroom instruction, students gain a better understanding of the police and the importance of laws to a society.
Law Enforcer
Working with school administrators, SRO's investigate criminal violations that involve students. Knowing that criminal investigations will be conducted deters delinquent behavior, a primary goal of the program.
SRO's are concerned about security and safety within the school. They evaluate situations and make recommendations to school administrators in reference to safety issues in the schools. The mere presence of an officer helps deter unwanted persons from frequenting campuses.
The program also serves as notice to students that contraband, such as weapons and illegal substances, will not be tolerated at school.
Advisor
Students are encouraged to get to know their school's SRO. Each officer is specially trained to conduct informal, individual or group discussions. SRO'S are available for conferences with students, parents and faculty members regarding law related problems and crime prevention techniques. SRO's are familiar with various social services and local community resources that are available for referral.