RPS presents updated SRO memorandum of understanding; board hears concerns and praise for partnership

Richmond Public Schools presented a first read of a revised memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Richmond Police Department concerning school resource officers (SROs), emphasizing new clarifications and responses to public feedback.

John Beasley, RPS director of care and safety, and other staff said the MOU revision was required to comply with state guidance and local review cycles and that the district solicited public feedback in April, receiving roughly 30 responses. Beasley said the draft includes language requested by members of the public — for example, a provision clarifying that immigration-enforcement activities are not a school responsibility — and that the text reflects attorney and city review.

Administrators told the board the new MOU codifies existing practices on threat-assessment collaboration, professional learning with culture-and-climate staff, parental notification when a student is interviewed in matters that require law-enforcement investigation, and procedures to coordinate review of video when mechanical restraints are used. Presenters said those practices largely already occur and that the MOU places them in a formal agreement.

Board members asked for data about how many threat assessments involve students with disabilities and whether SROs serve every school. Staff said they would provide the detailed breakdown requested and noted that SROs serve middle and high schools, with some shortages: three middle schools reported not having SRO coverage. Speakers repeatedly thanked the officers and the police captains for support at large events, including graduations.

The presentation prompted discussion about the SRO staffing model and the district’s limited control over SRO assignment because officers are funded and assigned by the Richmond Police Department. Staff cautioned that RPD faces citywide staffing shortages and can typically provide SRO support but cannot unilaterally commit additional full‑time officers without RPD agreement.

Board members praised elements of the draft MOU but also sought more data and asked for a follow-up that would provide counts of SROs by school, the number of threat assessments tied to students with disabilities and clarification about procedures for mechanical restraint review. Staff agreed to provide those details as part of the board follow-up.