As a leading provider of resource officer placement services, our team at Resource Officer LLC is constantly getting the question, “What is the difference between police officers and resource officers?” In the following blog, we will be covering the main differences between the two types of officers so that your education facility can stay well informed.
Contact us for our services or for further information today!
DISCLOSURE, POLICE HAVE TO REPORT CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR, SRO’S DON’T
Police officers are required to disclose any criminal behavior they witness or become aware of. This is an essential distinction between police officers and private school resource officers. Resource officers allow faculty, and parents to decide how to deal with their student, not the criminal justice system. SRO’s are there to provide a safe environment for students and faculty.
PUBLIC VS PRIVATE
Police officers work for the government, usually in a city or county, and are responsible for enforcing the laws of the jurisdiction. School resource officers, on the other hand, are employed by either a private, charter or public school. Private schools may have a different set of rules and regulations for their school resource officers compared to public schools.
DIFFERENT BUT SIMILAR RESPONSIBILITIES.
Police officers are responsible for enforcing the law and responding to emergencies. They are also responsible for investigating crimes and apprehending suspects. School resource officers, on the other hand, are are also responsible for enforcing rules and regulations, responding to emergencies, apprehending suspects and providing a safe environment for students and faculty.
MORE AUTHORITY? COST? AVAILABILITY?
1. Police have more authority, yes and no? Both Police Officers and Private Resource Officers have the ability to make arrests.
Police Officers, MUST arrest for certain Misdemeanors and ALL Felonies where they have probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. Private Resource Officers, MAY arrest for certain Misdemeanors committed in their presence and MAY arrest for Felony crimes where they believe the person to be arrested has committed the Felony.
Police Officers generally can not enforce property rules and regulations. Private Resource Officers CAN enforce property rules and regulations.
Police Officers generally cannot conduct searches of people or property without a warrant, unless the person has been arrested and they are conducting a search subsequent to the arrest. Private Resource Officers CAN conduct searches of people and property without a warrant.
2. Cost? The cost difference can be up 50% less for a Private Resource Officer
3. Availability? Unfortunately, police departments around the nation are suffering from low staff. Phoenix Arizona alone is down 1300 officers to make a full department. Using a private resource officer you’re more likely to not only get an officer for your property but you will get a consistent one.
In conclusion, police officers and school resource officers are both important to our communities. However, there are some key differences between the two. At Resource Officer LLC, we provide school resource officers with the skills and knowledge to keep students and staff safe from harm. Contact us to get a quote today!
Tags: