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:
Commander Rafael Cintron, Colorado Springs Police Department - Gold Hill Division
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.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
These agreements govern 16 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.
During 2015, SROs were involved in approximately 2,653 calls for service, and completed 581 case reports, 335 supplements, 29 Field Interview Reports/contacts, 44 felony arrests, 511 misdemeanor arrests, and issued 75 traffic summonses. They also handled 367 Safe2Tell tips and taught 675 law enforcement related classes.
Many of the calls for service mentioned above involved sensitive cases such as weapons possession, felony drug possession, arson, and suicidal juveniles. In addition to their specific crime enforcement duties, the SROs provided support to the Southeast Springs Soccer Initiative, served as CSPD Cadet Advisors providing training and mentorship, and participated in the city-wide Drive Smart campaign. 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 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.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal relating to building community and collaborative relationships. The intergovernmental agreements outline the cooperative relationship between the City and the school districts to create and maintain safe learning environments for our citizens.
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.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
The Intergovernmental Agreements have been authorized and approved by the governing bodies of Colorado Springs School District 11, Harrison School District 2, Cheyenne Mountain School District 12, Academy School District 20, and Falcon School District 49.
Stakeholder Process:
N/A
Alternatives:
The City Council may approve, modify, or deny adoption of the resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move for adoption of the resolution.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A