In a recent meeting of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board, Chief of Safety and Security JD Chow presented a transformative whole school safety policy aimed at enhancing student safety and well-being. This initiative, which has evolved over the past four years, marks a significant shift away from traditional school resource officer (SRO) programs towards a more holistic approach that prioritizes emotional safety and community engagement.

Chow emphasized the importance of student voices in shaping this policy, acknowledging contributions from various community partners and organizations. The new framework is built on three critical pillars: physical safety, emotional safety, and relational trust, aiming to create an environment where students feel welcomed and supported.

The board's decision to sunset the SRO program was influenced by a resolution passed in February 2024, which directed CPS to expand its safety efforts across the district. As a result, nearly 90 schools have engaged in developing alternative safety strategies, with an investment of approximately $10 million planned for the upcoming school year.

Research presented by David Johnson from Lurie Children's Hospital indicated that the removal of SROs did not lead to negative outcomes in school climate or safety perceptions among students and teachers. In fact, schools that eliminated SROs reported a decline in disciplinary infractions and police notifications, suggesting that the transition to alternative safety measures has been effective.

Highlighting successful implementations of the new policy, Principal Rashaad Talley of Phillips High School shared that since removing SROs, the school has seen a 53% reduction in out-of-school suspensions. Talley attributed this success to fostering strong relationships with students and actively involving them in decision-making processes, such as establishing a new cell phone policy and addressing dress code concerns collaboratively.

The meeting underscored CPS's commitment to reimagining school safety through community involvement and innovative strategies, aiming to create a supportive and secure environment for all students.