Safety and Security Officer (SSO)
Safety and Security Officer (SSO) will perform duties involving the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of the District Safety program. The SSO will advise, educate, and mentor students, faculty, and staff on established policies, procedures, and regulations related to safety, abuse and violence prevention. Work is performed under the general direction of the District Administrator with wide leeway for the exercise of independent judgment. Does related work as required.
The SSO serves as a teacher, counselor, role model, and advocate for students, families, faculty, and staff. The SSO is not the school disciplinarian, nor does he/she supplant any other staff function. He/she brings full service, personalized security to an important segment of our community. With a full-time presence in schools, SSO is easily recognized and approachable by students.
In the classroom, the SSO presents classes on topics such as the history of law enforcement, search and seizure, constitutional rights, criminal law, and drug abuse. The SSO’s duties extend far beyond the classroom and normal work day. The SSO participates in faculty meetings, club projects, student social functions, and sporting events.
The ultimate goal of an SSO program is to maintain and improve the safety of the learning environment in our schools through the reduction and prevention of school violence and drug abuse. The Safety and Security Officer is armed and will be recognizable with “Safety Officer” on the back of the shirts and coats that are worn. While the primary focus is prevention and deterrence, the SSO conducts all criminal investigations on campus, coordinating his/her activities with the building administrator. Although under the direct supervision of the Administration, the SSO is considered a member of the school faculty and, as such, works closely with the principals to determine the best course of action.