Overland Park's Public Safety Committee has made significant strides in enhancing the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in local schools, following updated guidelines from the Department of Justice. During a recent meeting, the committee outlined key changes aimed at improving safety and ensuring that SROs focus on law enforcement duties rather than school discipline.

The committee detailed the structure of the SRO units, which are divided into two divisions: the Antioch division serving the Shawnee Mission School District and the Parkway division for the Blue Valley School District. Each division is staffed with a dedicated team of SROs who are trained to handle criminal incidents while maintaining a supportive presence in schools.

A major policy update emphasizes that SROs will no longer intervene in school rule violations, such as dress code or parking issues, unless they involve criminal acts or immediate safety threats. This change aims to clarify the SROs' role and reduce their involvement in disciplinary matters, which should be managed by school officials. The committee also reinforced the importance of community input in decision-making regarding SRO programs, ensuring that local needs and concerns are prioritized.

Additional updates include enhanced training requirements for SROs, focusing on areas such as child abuse investigations and mental health issues. The committee plans to publish annual reports on SRO activities, increasing transparency and accountability to the community.

These changes reflect a commitment to fostering a safe and supportive school environment while clearly delineating the responsibilities of law enforcement officers in educational settings. The committee's proactive approach aims to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement, schools, and the community, ensuring that students can thrive in a secure atmosphere.