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Douglas County outlines SRO program and school therapy-dog pilot in Highlands Ranch
Summary
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office officials briefed the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District board on the school resource officer program, saying 43 commissioned SROs serve 57 schools under the NASRO model and highlighting a therapy-dog pilot with Guster that staff said supports student wellbeing; expansion would require funding and logistics.
Douglas County Sheriff’s Office officials updated the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District board on Jan. 27 about the department’s School Resource Officer (SRO) program and a therapy-dog pilot in local schools. Division Chief Michael McIntosh and Commander Derek Castellano said the SRO unit includes 43 commissioned officers serving 57 schools and follows the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) model, which combines law enforcement, education, counseling and mentorship.
McIntosh and Castellano told the board the program emphasizes prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, and that officers receive extensive NASRO training and collaborate with Douglas County School District staff. The presenters highlighted partnerships with Safe2Tell, behavioral health response teams and other Sheriff’s Office units to address mental-health needs and early threat identification.
The presentation also described a therapy-dog program introduced at Cresthill Middle School. The board was told Guster, a certified therapy dog provided by Freedom Service Dogs of America and partnered with Deputy Brian Corbin, has been used to support student and staff wellbeing, reduce stress and help de-escalate crises. Officials said the therapy dog helps bridge interactions between students and law enforcement.
Officials said the Sheriff’s Office is exploring ways to expand the therapy-dog program but that additional funding, logistical planning and dog availability are constraints. Board members expressed appreciation for the SRO program’s community focus and the reported benefits of the therapy-dog pilot.
The board received the presentation; no formal action was taken on the program during the meeting.
