Philosophy
The River Valley School District recognizes that cooperation with law enforcement agencies is essential for the protection of students and staff. The district further recognizes that within our society, the school holds a central place among agencies that affect the ideas and activities of children. Beyond the family, they are the first institution that has the opportunity to perceive and analyze the problems of children. In order to promote positive youth behavior, it is appropriate to implement a program aimed primarily at prevention, education, communication, and understanding between the school/youth/police and the community (i.e. PSLO programs).
To that end, the PSLO is established on a cooperative basis between the River Valley School District and the Spring Green Police Department to work with youth in detecting and preventing anti-social behavior. The PSLO is employed by the Village of Spring Green and subcontracted through a purchased services agreement with the River Valley School District. Through education, communication, and understanding among the school, police, youth, and family, a safer and more productive learning environment will be secured.
The PSLO of the River Valley School District reports directly to the Spring Green Chief of Police. However, on day-to-day matters, the officer will be supervised through the combined efforts of the Police Department and school administrators. The PSLO’s major responsibilities are to perform prevention, education, and intervention functions as they relate to the purposes listed below.
Overview of General Purposes
1. To promote a sense of safety and well-being which establishes a productive learning environment in or near assigned schools.
2. To focus on positive and preventative strategies which reinforce law and society.
3. To serve as a resource through providing education and interpretation of changes in current law to school staff, parents, and students.
4. To confer with students, in cooperation with school counselors, teachers, administrators, and/or parents to process constructive referrals of students needing additional services.
5. To enforce laws by issuing necessary citations and warnings and facilitate the investigating/reporting of crimes.
6. To help juveniles and adults gain respect for the police department and school district as helping agencies with the responsibility to protect and serve all citizens.
7. To provide input to staff personnel in both the schools and police department in developing and implementing policies.
Note: A more detailed PSLO job description is on file in the River Valley School District Central Office and at the Spring Green Village Office. Revisions to this job description will be reviewed by the Board of Education’s Policy Committee.
Approved: November 9, 2000
12/21/2004 pw