The opening language in Irvington Community Schools’ mission statement reads: “Provide a small, safe learning community where respectful behaviors are modeled and expected.” Having this as the introduction to the ICS Mission Statement is by design.
Children learn best when they feel safe. Maintaining a safe learning environment is a top priority for Irvington Community Schools. To enhance our school safety program, in 2011 ICS, Inc. hired our first School Resource Officer (SRO) as the corporation’s Chief of Police . Notably, this was the first SRO working in public charter schools in the state of Indiana.
The SRO’s role is threefold:
Law enforcement officer
Law-related educator
Law-related counselor
As state-certified law enforcement officers through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, SROs are enabled by Indiana law to make arrests, carry firearms, and investigate any criminal matter that comes to their attention (Indiana Code 20-26-18.2-1 through 20-26-18.2-3). SROs receive specialized training to promote better student behavior and decision-making, serve as goodwill ambassadors, and play an important student mentoring role.
The SRO also plays a key role in the emergency preparedness and crisis management of all three ICS campuses. He oversees emergency drills, ensuring that all staff members are well prepared for both natural and manmade emergencies. Further, he is responsible for all traffic management planning and investigating on-campus traffic-related incidents.
In the event of an emergency, call 911.
In the event of suicide thoughts or actions, call 988.
Check out the Fox 59 coverage of the ICS School Resource Officer Program.
National Association of School Resource Officers
Indiana School Resource Officers Association
Marion County Safe Schools Commission