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Douglas County Sheriff's Office details SRO operations in Highlands Ranch, highlights therapy dog pilot
Summary
Division Chief Michael McIntosh and Commander Derek Castellano described the Douglas County School Resource Officer program serving 57 schools with 43 officers, following the NASRO model; they highlighted a therapy dog, Guster, partnered with Deputy Brian Corbin at Cresthill Middle School and said expansion would require funding and logistics planning.
Division Chief Michael McIntosh and Commander Derek Castellano of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office briefed the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District board on Jan. 27 about the county's School Resource Officer program and a therapy dog pilot aimed at supporting student well-being.
The presenters said the SRO unit, operating from the Highlands Ranch substation, includes 43 commissioned officers assigned to 57 schools countywide and follows the NASRO (National Association of School Resource Officers) model emphasizing law enforcement, education, counseling and mentorship. The presentation emphasized prevention, preparedness, response and recovery as program priorities and noted partnerships with the school district, charter and private schools, the Safe2Tell program and behavioral health response teams.
Speakers highlighted a therapy dog program featuring Guster, a certified therapy dog from Freedom Service Dogs of America matched with Deputy Brian Corbin at Cresthill Middle School. The presenters described the program's observed benefits for student and staff well-being, stress reduction and de-escalation, and said the Sheriff's Office is exploring expansion of therapy dog placements pending funding, logistics and dog availability. Board members expressed appreciation for the program and its community-focused approach.
