County Educators, Students Debate In-School Police Officers, Mental Health Resources

photo of school resource officer shaking hands with student

The Montgomery County Council held a public hearing last week on legislation regarding the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program.

Bill 7-21 would authorize the police chief to assign a law enforcement officer to work as a school resource officer if requested by the superintendent. It would also require SRO’s to have enhanced training.

The meeting exposed the divergent views that people have of the program.

MyMCM tuned into the hearing to hear both sides.

 

Following the public hearing, councilmember Nancy Navarro offered an alternative approach to the SRO Program, which would create teams that include mental health professionals and counselors. Navarro’s proposal comes ahead of a joint public safety, education, and culture committee work session scheduled for March 18, where officials will review and make recommendations on two bills that offer alternatives or enhancements to the current model of SRO’s in schools.

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