A partnership between the Norman Public School District and the City of Norman is focused on enhancing safety and security for students and staff through a School Resource Officer program, which was approved in 2014 by voters.

School Resource Officers are sworn law enforcement officers who are charged with providing safety and security services in schools across the district and also are seen as confidants and mentors that students can turn to in times of need.

Collaboration with the Norman Police Department provides the district with officers who have participated in enhanced training programs and bring a wealth of experience to their positions. In addition to traditional police training, officers have participated in national workshops for school resource officers and professional development focused on working with students who have special needs.

The initial five-year agreement calls for a multi-year implementation of the program. When the program is fully implemented, there will be 13 officers dedicated to serving the schools. The district and police department worked together closely to clearly outline roles and responsibilities of each organization to ensure routine discipline issues continue to be addressed by school administrators, rather than by police officers. The groups agree that robust planning sessions and training will help ensure best practices are in place for students’ safety.