We’d like to hear your opinion on bringing a School Resource Officer back to the Somerville High School and NW/FC campus.
Somerville Public Schools is initiating a process to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the Somerville Police Department (SPD) regarding the potential placement of a School Resource Officer at Somerville High School and Next Wave/Full Circle, consistent with districts across the Commonwealth and in neighboring communities.
A School Resource Officer helps create a supportive, student-centered school safety model that includes crisis response, prevention and early intervention, mentorship, and security. They are primarily stationed in the schools and become an integral part of the school community.
Our SRO Survey
Families of current 8th-12th grade students and staff are encouraged to share your initial thoughts through our survey on School Resource Officers at SHS and NW/FC.
Your input is appreciated!
Focus Groups
You can also participate in a district-led focus group discussion in June.
Focus Group Dates (subject to change):
Tuesday, May 26 | NW/FC Student Government Committee
Monday June 8 at 2:35pm | SHS + NW/FC Staff Register
Tuesday, June 9 | SHS Students
Wednesday, June 10 at 7:00pm | SPS Families (Grade 8-12) (in-person only) Register
Background
Somerville High School had a School Resource Officer (SRO) until March 2021. We are now one of the only high schools in the greater Boston area without an SRO. While we have invested significantly in social emotional supports, restorative justice, and security, the fact remains that SPS still interacts with SPD on a regular basis to handle safety and security matters beyond the scope of SPS staff.
Last year, there were over 300 interactions with SPD. While many of these interactions were pre-planned staffing at events and dealing with fire and security alarms, SPD was also on hand to support “swatting” incidents (false but serious threats to the school), weapons searches, fights outside of the school building and in nearby areas, helping handle intruders, handling reports of crimes against staff and students, supporting runaway teens, and more.
The idea behind restoring the SRO is to have a dedicated police officer who can build strong relationships with students, staff and families, and engage in preventative actions. Having a dedicated police officer on site will help prevent the need for many of the calls to SPD, will help avoid any unnecessary escalation, and will give students, staff, and families quicker access to a trusted law enforcement officer in times of need.