School Resource Officer (SRO)

City of Apache Junction•Apache Junction, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The School Resource Officer (SRO) provides law enforcement services focused on protecting life and property, maintaining a safe environment, investigating crime, and preventing crime. In a school setting, the SRO helps provide a secure learning environment through visible law enforcement presence, proactive patrols, and emergency response. The officer builds positive relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community, serving as a mentor and positive role model. The position also involves responding to calls for service, investigating criminal activity, enforcing applicable laws, and working with school administrators to address safety concerns. SROs provide educational presentations and participate in programs addressing drug awareness, bullying, internet safety, and other youth-related topics, as well as school activities and community outreach. The broader classification includes patrol, emergency response, criminal investigation, evidence collection, report preparation, coordination with other officers and agencies, arrests, court-related duties, and testimony. The role may include collateral duties or special tasks based on assignment or expertise. Work involves physical activity and potential exposure to hazardous, hostile, or life-threatening situations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Meet one of the stated law enforcement qualification paths: have served as a City of Apache Junction Police Recruit immediately before AZPOST certification; have graduated from an AZPOST Academy program and received AZPOST certification within six months before appointment; or have one year of full-time paid permanent experience as a police officer, deputy sheriff, or equivalent in the last three years, have completed the agency probation period, and acquire or receive AZPOST certification within three months of appointment.
Be certified by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST), or be able to achieve AZPOST certification within three months of appointment.
Candidates nominated for appointment must pass the Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) before appointment.
Appointed candidates must possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona or meet the transportation needs of the position.
Knowledge of federal and state statutes, the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, public safety, department policies and procedures, City personnel rules and regulations, Arizona traffic laws, and City Codes.
Knowledge of current communication technology, including GIS, CAD, and wireless services.
Knowledge of law enforcement methods and procedures, including case law governing arrest, rules of evidence, probable cause, search and seizure, and investigative and interrogative procedures.
Ability to use police-issued weapons and equipment, including an MDT and specialized software, ballistic vest, OC spray, firearm, safety gloves, baton, handcuffs, and radio; operate various vehicles; and determine appropriate use of force.
Ability to maintain composure and work effectively in stressful and potentially hazardous situations, and deal professionally with the public under adverse circumstances.
Ability to gather and evaluate facts and evidence to draw logical conclusions.
Ability to follow and communicate instructions and work as a team with officers, departments, and agencies.

Responsibilities

Provide a safe and secure learning environment through visible law enforcement presence, proactive patrols, and emergency response.
Build positive relationships with students, school staff, parents, and the community, serving as a mentor and positive role model.
Respond to calls for service, investigate criminal activity, enforce applicable laws, and work with school administrators to address safety concerns.
Provide classroom presentations and participate in educational programs about drug awareness, bullying, internet safety, and other youth-related topics.
Participate in school activities, special events, and community outreach programs, collaborating with school personnel to promote a positive school environment.
Patrol designated areas by vehicle and/or on foot; conduct business and bar checks; enforce traffic laws, ordinances, and other laws; and identify potential crime areas and unsafe conditions.
Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls; administer first aid and/or CPR, conduct evacuations when necessary, and assist other departments and agencies at emergency scenes.
Prepare incident reports, forms, records, summonses, sketches, and diagrams.
Coordinate with officers, detectives, and supervisors to make arrests or carry out strategies for specific tasks.
Secure crime scenes; search areas, people, buildings, properties, and vehicles; identify, collect, and preserve evidence; locate and interview witnesses and victims; and arrest and interrogate suspects.
Conduct death notifications to next of kin.
Conduct criminal investigations involving federal, state, and local crimes; gather evidence and prepare cases for prosecution.
Attend civil and criminal hearings to testify for the State of Arizona; execute court orders; serve orders of protection, injunctions against harassment, warrants, and subpoenas.
Provide interviews to defense attorneys, prosecutors, and internal affairs investigators as needed.
Support City policies, goals, and objectives; work ethically with management and staff; and comply with safety procedures.
Perform collateral duties or other special tasks as assigned.