Overcoming Barriers: School Principals and SROs Collaborating to Create a Safe School Environment

Abstract

Relationships between school administrators and School Resource Officers (SROs) are particularly important with the current emphasis on school safety. The majority of research in this area focuses on the effectiveness of SRO programs; however, there is a dearth of research involving the relationship between school administration and SROs. Understanding the need to overcome some of the existing barriers such as cultural and mission differences between the two organizations should enhance the possibility of creating an effective partnership. Focusing on the essential aspects of the interagency relationships in the context of school emergency readiness should allow this important partnership to be successfully implemented. This examination of the interagency relationship is important in navigating the barriers that exist in this dynamic relationship.

Keywords:

• Interagency relationship
• collaboration
• barriers
• communication
• memorandum of understanding