TITLE
The Mayor and City Council shall discuss and take action to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with Maricopa Unified School District for five (5) School Resource Officers (SRO). Maricopa Unified School District will contribute $591,122.48 over the course of ten (10) months for a total of $1,773,367.44 over three years for five School Resource Officers. Discussion and Action.
AGENDA ITEM DESCRIPTION
The Maricopa Unified School District has applied to receive grant funding through the Arizona Department of Education FY 2027 "School Safety Grant" for five (5) School Resource Officers to be provided by the Maricopa Police Department with cooperation through the School Safety Program Cooperative Agreements. The School Resource Officer (SRO) program in Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD), supported by Arizona Department of Education grants, enhances campus safety by pairing law enforcement with educational mentorship. Each SRO builds strong, supportive relationships with school staff, students, and parents. The mission is to assist students and act as positive role models. The Maricopa Police Department SRO Unit is committed to excellence, aiming to be a top SRO Unit in Arizona. We accomplish this by delivering outstanding customer service, cultivating meaningful connections, and providing high-quality education to students and their families. Our focus is on working together with students, families, and school staff to address any issues and help keep our youth out of the criminal justice system whenever possible.
Maricopa Unified Schools:
1. Maricopa High School
2. Desert Sunrise High School
3. Desert Winds Middle School
4. Maricopa Wells Middle School
5. Alma Farrell Innovation Academy
Our dedication is to educate and guide students in making positive choices, helping them to grow into responsible citizens and active community members. SROs, typically with the Maricopa Police Department, deter crime, provide on-campus security, teach Law-Related Education (LRE), and foster trust between students and police. The Maricopa Police Department (MPD) focuses on making students feel safe and supported on campus.
Key benefits of the MUSD SRO program include:
• Enhanced Security: SROs at schools provide an immediate, armed presence to protect students and staff.
• Student Mentorship and Trust: SROs act as role models, fostering positive relationships that bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement, which can help increase students' self-esteem and sense of safety.
• Crisis Response & Counseling Resources: SROs work alongside school staff to provide mental health awareness and support students in crisis, serving as a resource for guidance.
• Proactive Prevention and Education: Officers deliver Law-Related Education (LRE) classes, covering topics like anti-bullying, substance abuse prevention, and constitutional law.
• Proactive Safety Partnerships: Supported by over $1 million in grants, the program allows for a close working relationship between MUSD administration and local law enforcement to ensure safe, orderly learning environments.
Funding for the SRO position is within the department budget, managed by a 22022122-53300 Professional Technical Fund/Project for Grant revenue and invoiced payroll expense reimbursement (not to exceed the IGA contracted revenue amount per year). Invoicing is managed by the department on a quarterly basis for each school year for the duration of the IGA.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends entering into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Maricopa Unified School District for five (5) School Resource Officers.