*This position will be evaluated by a locally developed evaluation instrument at least annually by the Superintendent or his designee.  The evaluation will be based on these objectives.

JOB DESCRIPTION HEARD COUNTY SCHOOLS:  School Resource Officer

REPORTS TO:  Associate Superintendent and School Administrators while in buildings

 

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE: Valid driver’s license is required.

Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) required; Advanced Certifications (Instructor, Drug Identification, etc.) a plus.

 

WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 1 year of work experience in law enforcement in a traditional law enforcement agency or school environment required. Ability to work with youth and adults in the school setting.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

1. Must be able to work flexible hours, evenings and staggered shifts, holidays and weekends and/or in emergency and the ability to investigate suspicious circumstances, persons, vehicles, etc.
2. Required to work overtime including evenings, weekends and athletic events as assigned by the school system to provide maximum security coverage; must be able to work in inclement weather and able to walk, run, climb, or sit for extended periods of time.
3. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking skills in rendering solutions to various issues that arise in the schools; must be able to effectively communicate with both public and school personnel; extensive communications (verbal and written) with students, staff and internal/external stakeholders is required; will be responsible for managing behavior of victims, witnesses and others when handling or responding to incidents; requires the use of sound judgment; ability to work with youth and adults
4. Required proficiency in Google, Microsoft Office, and other office equipment such as incident reporting software, fax, copiers, and scanners.
5. Knowledge of Georgia Criminal and Traffic Code, City and County Ordinances, Criminal Procedures, Juvenile Law and court proceedings
6. Must not have any open internal affairs investigations or P.O.S.T. investigations.
7. Must pass criminal history and background investigation, psychological and agility test.

JOB OBJECTIVES:

1. Serve as a visible and active law enforcement officer on campus dealing with law-related areas such as drugs, traffic, trespassing, fighting, and thefts. Enforce campus rules and regulations.
2. Conduct routine patrols of assigned facilities to include buildings, parking lots and district owned, leased, or rented property; Operate district equipment to include alarm systems, surveillance equipment, and patrol units when necessary.
3. Take law enforcement action to protect against unwanted intruders. Identify and prevent (through counseling and referral) delinquent behavior, including substance abuse. Make arrests only when necessary to protect students, staff and school property.
4. Work collaboratively with public safety agencies to serve as a liaison between school and community to deter criminal and delinquent behavior.
5. Coordinate security for crowd and vehicle control at extracurricular activities and special events. Monitor and instruct students, visitors, and district personnel on proper and lawful campus or facility behavior. Help to define and maintain a respectful code of conduct.
6. Assist other law enforcement agencies with incidents involving local criminal activity that may impact the safety of the environment for students and staff. Serve as the initial first responder and school safety coordinator for campus emergencies.
7. Respond to calls on crimes against person or property in progress, report crimes that have already occurred, and intrusion/fire alarms; perform preliminary investigation at the scene (e.g. gather and preserve evidence, take statements). Prepare written reports, maintain daily logs, and obtain and serve arrest and search warrants as necessary; testify in court as required.
8. Subdue offenders and criminals by using the minimum amount of force needed to protect the officer and other persons.
9. Conduct security building assessments for schools; guard, check and secure doors, rooms, buildings and equipment.
10. Operate a two-way radio and qualify with a department issued firearm.
11. Perform other duties as assigned by appropriate supervisory personnel and school administrators.
12. Comply with Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ADA REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to walk, run, climb, crawl or sit for extended periods of time. Work in inclement weather. Overtime work including evenings, weekends and athletic events as assigned by the school system to provide maximum security coverage is required. Incumbent may spend extended periods of time patrolling and investigating crimes on District property, both in automobiles and on foot. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict. In extreme cases, incumbent may be exposed to violent and/or armed confrontations. Physical fitness tests are required yearly. This position may involve routine exposure to blood or body fluids. Regular attendance is required for this position.