Asheville Police School Resource Officers (SROs) work diligently to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff on Asheville City Schools campuses. The Asheville Police Department currently has five full-time resource officers who work in Asheville City Schools.
Asheville Police School Resource Officers can provide information and advice to students about the workings of the juvenile court system and guidance about processes and services. They are also aware of various programs and community assets available and can offer suggestions about programs that might be helpful to students and their families.
Asheville Police School Resource Officers are not licensed counselors and do not attempt to carry out the functions of licensed counselors. Their role is best described as being an “active listener.” Because the officers walk the halls, they have a lot of positive contact with the students.
- Are you a young person who needs guidance about the workings of the juvenile court system, processes, or services?
- Are you concerned about a young person?
- Would you like to learn about programs and community assets that might help you, the student, or their family?
Because of such accessibility, Asheville Police School Resource Officers often are approached by students who just want to talk. This type of interaction is important. Giving young people time, listening to their concerns, and letting them talk – are critically important services provided by the Asheville Police School Resource Officers. Through such actions, Asheville Police School Resource Officers get to know their students. They can help them by not only providing advice but also by connecting students to counseling services both inside the school and in the community.
Asheville Police School Resource Officers are not replacements for teachers, rather, they provide an additional resource that can be drawn upon to teach young people about the law. Because they are representatives of the law, they can help get the message across that there are consequences for unacceptable actions. Asheville Police School Resource Officers provide education resources for students to teach them what their rights are, as well as their responsibilities as members of the Asheville community.
Contact
- Sergeant Craig Loveland, School Resource Unit
- Officer Joe Jones, School Resource Officer
- Officer Travis Jones, School Resource Officer
- Officer Jason Gall, School Resource Officer
- Officer Pete Balthrop, School Resource Officer
- Officer Nicholas Jones, School Resource Officer
Resources
Tips for preventing school violence