Students at McLean High School gather with their school resource officer to celebrate National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day on Feb. 15.
The Fairfax County Police Department recognized National School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day on Feb. 15, honoring officers who work to secure county public schools and build connections with students and educators. The department has 51 school resource officers (SROs) assigned to high, secondary, and middle schools across the county’s public school division, according to the FCPD Public Affairs Bureau.
The program "plays an important role in keeping our schools safe while strengthening relationships between law enforcement, students, families, and school staff," FCPD media relations said in a statement.
The National Association of School Resource Officers established the appreciation day in 2022. SROs often serve as mentors and problem-solvers, frequently taking on additional roles as coaches and club advisors.
According to the department, many officers seek out the assignment for the opportunity to build positive relationships with youth. "Being present in schools every day allows them to be more than just a uniform," the FCPD stated. "They become trusted adults whom students feel comfortable talking to."
FCPD’s officers selected for the SRO program receive specialized training in mental health, crisis intervention, and disability awareness. They also study restorative justice, implicit bias, and cultural competency in partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools. Additionally, officers undergo active violence response training with SWAT to strengthen coordination during critical incidents.