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Exhibit A <br /> School Resource Officer <br /> Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) <br /> Guiding Principles: <br /> WHEREAS, the purpose of this document is to create guidelines and roles to ensure <br /> that law enforcement, school administrators, and the communities they serve have a <br /> shared understanding of the goals of the School Resource Officer (SRO) program and <br /> that SROs receive the necessary support and training to ensure a safe school <br /> environment while respecting the rights of students and improving the overall school <br /> climate; <br /> WHEREAS, school policing is intended to maintain a positive, safe and orderly school <br /> environment for all stakeholders; SROs develop and maintain relationships with <br /> students, parents, and other members of the school community; <br /> WHEREAS, the parties agree that transparency and accountability are essential to the <br /> success of the SRO program. <br /> WHEREAS, the parties agree that an effective SRO program sets forth: 1) the role of <br /> the SRO within the context of the educational mission and vision of the school; 2) <br /> distinctions between disciplinary misconduct to be handled by school officials and <br /> criminal offenses to be handled by law enforcement; 3) collaboration with school <br /> administrators on legal and school related issues; and 4) non-punitive approaches to <br /> student behavior. <br /> WHEREAS, the signatories agree as follows: <br /> Goals and Objectives: <br /> The mission of the School Resource Officer program is to improve school safety and the <br /> educational climate at the school. School administrators are responsible for student <br /> conduct and school discipline. SROs may assist with raising awareness of school rules <br /> to students and referring potential violations to school administration. <br /> The SRO is an asset used by the community and the school in an attempt to address <br /> situations proactively in the lives of students rather than in the judicial system. <br /> The SRO shall foster educational programs and activities to increase student's <br /> knowledge of and respect for the law and the function of law enforcement agencies. <br /> 101 <br />