Piecing It Together: School Resource Officers as Allies in Education

Stepping into a school as a law enforcement officer requires a fundamental shift in police mentality. Schools aren’t just about classes, homework, and extracurricular activities — they’re about relationships, learning, and development. But for any of that to be possible, safety and security are crucial. Piecing It Together prepares School Resource Officers (SROs) to work effectively within educational environments. Whether you're new to school-based policing, looking to enhance your approach, or seeking a better understanding of the school system, this book will be your go-to resource. Take it from someone who has been on both sides of the law enforcement spectrum, working in an educational setting is not as easy as you might think. After 18 years working as a patrol officer, Dr. Beth J. Sanborn became her department’s first SRO, stepping into a role that required navigating the complex intersection of law enforcement and education.For eight years, Officer Beth served as an SRO, bridging the gap between schools and law enforcement, but the SRO’s responsibilities were not always clear. Expectations from school administrators can often be at odds with what SROs could and should do in certain situations. In environments where the line between educator and officer is often blurred, SROs must clearly understand the boundaries of their responsibilities and be able to communicate them in ways that promote collaboration and strengthen relationships within the school community. Gaining a better understanding of these often dueling dynamics will empower SROs to make more informed choices for the benefit of their students and school community while showing up as their most effective and authentic selves each day.Dr. Beth J. Sanborn currently serves as the School Safety Coordinator for Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, overseeing safety initiatives across more than 400 school buildings. She is a member of the executive board for the Pennsylvania Association of School Resource Officers and teaches nationally for the National Association of School Resource Officers. While her debut book, The Missing Piece, was written to help parents and educators better understand the role of the School Resource Officer, Piecing It Together serves as a practical guide for SROs looking to enhance school communities through their daily work. Read more