What is a School Resource Officer?

My apologies for not explaining what a school resource officer is. Basically a resource officer is a full time police officer in the school. They are responsible for handling MANY issues that come up like: bullying, confiscating weapons, and removing disruptive students from class. They also are available to talk with the kids about their grades, their home life, or anything the kids want to talk about. They are a positive representation of law enforcement. They may meet with a student who is angry or depressed; someone who doesn't know how to handle their emotions; they are there to defuse any potentially dangerous situations. They bring security to the school both to the faculty and the students. The students feel comfortable bringing a concern to them. I spoke with our resource officer the other day and she told me that she has logged 212 incidents (minor to big deal) since September. Minor is removing a disruptive student from class. Big deal is actually having to arrest a student, which has happened twice this year. I don't know why he was arrested. Teachers are not equipped to handle these sorts of things, nor should they have to be. Calling the police when a situation comes up isn't good enough ALL schools (middle schools and high schools) should ALWAYS have a FULL TIME resource officer. And unfortunately some elementary schools should have them too. If your school department doesn't employ full time resource officers at the middle and high school you need to URGE them to change that. Grants are even available to pay for the positions for the first few years. Check out your school - be involved!