Sheriff’s SROs report classroom and security work as Kenosha County adds two positions

The Kenosha County Finance Committee heard an update on the county sheriff’s School Resource Officer (SRO) program, including the placement of two recently approved positions and day-to-day activities SROs provide in schools.

A sheriff’s office presenter said two new SRO positions approved by the county board last month are filled, bringing the total to four officers assigned to schools identified by the sheriff’s office. Deputy Hyatt, who was introduced to the committee, described duties that go beyond responding to incidents: security assessments, lockdown and emergency drills, and classroom visits on topics ranging from traffic safety to criminal-justice basics. “I get into classrooms and I teach… the kids respond really well to that,” Deputy Hyatt said.

Supervisors asked for examples of curriculum and how the SRO role differs in elementary versus high schools. Deputy Hyatt said work in elementary settings emphasizes relationship-building and age-appropriate interactions, while high-school activities include instruction related to driving, traffic stops and criminal-justice pathways. He said the program can introduce students to careers in law enforcement and highlighted local dual-credit partnerships with Gateway for criminal-justice coursework.

Supervisors thanked the presenters and asked staff to continue coordination with local school districts on role boundaries between SROs and programs such as DARE. The committee did not take a formal vote on program funding during the update; the presentation served as a progress report on recently filled positions.