Sgt Michael O'Donnell
School Resource Officer
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Sgt Michael O'Donnell |
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I have been assigned as the Highland Police Department’s School Resource Officer (SRO). As the SRO, I have the responsibility of overseeing security within the Highland Public School system, which includes Highland High School, Highland Middle School, and its four elementary schools which include; Johnston, Merkley, Southridge and Warren. In addition to overseeing security, the SRO also answers calls for police assistance in the schools and takes action, up to arrest, if necessary. The SRO program is an integral part of the community policing philosophy which stresses the importance of a positive working relationship between the police and the school community. By creating this positive working relationship along with a safe learning environment, students will be able to academically excel. Some of the primary duties of the SRO include: - Providing for the safety and security of the school’s students, faculty and staff by acting as a law enforcement officer, a safety professional and a role model; - Providing classroom instruction to students ranging from the proper use of the 911 telephone system at the kindergarten level to search and seizure (fourth amendment) issues in the high school setting; - Investigations related to the school system from theft and substance abuse investigations to residency violations; - Teaching the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang resistance education and training) program, which is a thirteen week curriculum sponsored through the Bureau of Justice Assistance. This lesson is taught to seventh grade students throughout the Highland public and private school systems. - Coordinating the summer G.R.E.A.T. program. This program is a two week summer camp which reinforces the G.R.E.A.T. program curriculum. The presence of a police officer in the schools in a non-confrontational environment helps to foster a positive relationship between the police and the students. If you have any questions regarding the school resource officer program or if you have a concern you need addressed, please feel free to contact Sergeant Michael O’Donnell at the police department at (219)838-3184 or the high school at (219)922-5610. I can also be reached via e-mail at or |
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