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MPD begins SRO rollout in 11 high schools after NASRO training; department says SROs will not enforce school policy
Summary
The Milwaukee Police Department said it trained 38 officers through NASRO and deployed 25 school resource officers to high schools; MPD emphasized SROs will respond to criminal incidents, not enforce school administrative policy, and supervisors will report regularly during rollout.
The Milwaukee Police Department told the Fire and Police Commission on March 20 that it has reinstated school resource officers (SROs) in Milwaukee Public Schools after a court‑ordered settlement and recent NASRO training.
MPD said 38 sworn members received NASRO training the week of March 10, including 25 officers designated to serve as SROs in city schools and an additional group trained as backups so staffing can cover FMLA or vacation. The department also said it trained seven supervisors, with two primary supervisors overseeing SROs citywide.
A department presenter said SROs started in 11 high schools first but are not limited to those sites; the department will build relationships with additional MPS schools identified by district staff. MPD said SROs will be dispatched using squad numbers specific to the SRO unit and that the Department of Emergency Communications will dispatch SROs to school incidents when appropriate.
MPD emphasized the policy distinction between criminal incidents and school administrative matters. The department said SROs are not assigned to enforce Milwaukee Public Schools policy; instead, SROs will intervene when incidents rise to criminal conduct and will otherwise work with school administration on noncriminal matters. The department said that distinction is spelled out in the memorandum of understanding with MPS and was included in training.
MPD told commissioners it will require supervisory reporting from the SRO unit to track activities and issues while the program is integrated. The department said it has been in active communication with MPS security leadership and will relay concerns when duties or expectations diverge between law enforcement and school administration.
Commissioners asked about selection criteria for SROs. MPD said candidates volunteered through their chain of command, were screened for attendance records and supervisory evaluations, and were disqualified if they had significant disciplinary histories involving young people. The department said officers were selected for a demonstrated desire to work with young people and for sustained, reliable presence, which the department described as essential to mentoring and relationship building.
Commissioners and other speakers at the meeting urged MPD to publicize avenues for student or parent complaints, and MPD encouraged the use of the FPC complaint process for concerns about officer conduct. MPD also said it will provide the commission with the job posting used for SRO selection.
