Title
A resolution of the City Council of Colorado Springs approving the Intergovernmental Agreements concerning the funding, implementation and administration of programs involving police officers in schools.
Presenter:
Vince Niski, Chief of Police
Lt. Patrick David
Body
Summary:
The Resolution authorizes the Intergovernmental Agreements between the City of Colorado Springs and Colorado Springs School District 11, Harrison School District 2, Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, Academy School District 20, and Falcon School District 49 for the purpose of providing funding, implementation, and administration of programs involving police officers in schools serving as School Resource Officers.
Background:
These agreements govern 21 School Resource Officers (SROs) who are assigned to various high schools in each district. Although they primarily work in the high schools, the officers are also responsible for significant activities in the transitional middle schools and assist with the needs of elementary schools as time allows.
During 2020, SROs were involved in approximately 3758 calls for service, and completed 503 case reports, 382 supplements, 142 Field Interview Reports/contacts, 48 felony arrests, 220 misdemeanor arrests and issued 129 traffic summonses. They also handled 367 Safe2Tell tips and taught 500 law enforcement related classes.
Many of the calls for service mentioned above involved sensitive cases, weapons possession, felony drug possession, arson and suicidal juveniles. In addition to their specific crime enforcement duties, the SROs provided support to the food distribution programs sponsored by United Way at Mitchell High School, District 2 Schools and Deerfield Hills Community Center. Many SROs served as CSPD Cadet Advisors providing training and mentorship and participated in two community sponsored backpack bashes (giveaways). These officers are also board members of the Colorado Association of School Resource Officers (CASRO), Police Protective Association, Teen Court and provide significant support to the annual Christmas/Holiday Toy Drive.
The SROs serve as mentors, councilors, and law related advisors to district staff, school administrators and employees, students and parents. The SROs participate in the composition and application of their school safety plans, serve as professional advisors when school staff members consider threat assessments, and they are often called upon to teach law related education classes. The SRO’s primary function however is to prevent, deter and minimize criminal activity and ensure school staff and students feel safe and supported while in a learning environment.
Previous Council Action:
The proposed resolution and attached IGAs will replace the 2016 Council authorization that approved similar City - School District SRO IGAs that expired at the conclusion of the 2020/2021 school year.
Financial Implications:
The City and the School Districts share the cost of the officers assigned to the School Resource Officer Program. Each School Resource Officer is an employee of the City; therefore, the City initially incurs 100% of the cost of these positions. The School Districts then reimburse the City for 75% of the cost of the salary and benefits of these officers for the days each officer is present in the schools. The City accounts for all cost-sharing amounts as revenue to the General Fund.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The attached IGAs have been reviewed and executed by the participating School Districts: Colorado Springs School District 11, Harrison School District 2, Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, Academy School District 20, and Falcon School District 49.
Alternatives:
The City Council may approve, modify or deny adoption of the Resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Approve the Council Resolution to authorize the City to enter into the Intergovernmental Agreements concerning the funding, implementation and administration of programs involving police officers in schools.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A