PWCS Seeks Public Input On School Resource Officer Agreement With Police

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — Prince William County Public Schools is asking families, students, staff and community members to weigh in on the agreement governing school resource officers in county schools.

PWCS announced Monday that it is reviewing its memorandum of understanding with the Prince William County Police Department, which spells out the roles and responsibilities of police officers assigned to schools.

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Residents can submit comments through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

Virginia law requires school divisions and law enforcement agencies to review agreements governing school resource officers at least once every two years.

Under the current agreement, a school resource officer is present at every PWCS school serving middle and high school students.

The agreement describes the partnership as an effort to promote positive school climates while maintaining safe and secure schools. It states that most student misconduct can be handled through classroom and school-based strategies, with the goal of reducing unnecessary student contact with the juvenile justice system while protecting the rights of victims.

PWCS said feedback received during the public comment period will be reviewed and considered after the comment period ends.

Residents can review the current 14-page agreement and submit feedback through the school division's School Resource Officers webpage.

The role of SROs has been debated in school districts around the country over the past decade, as questions have been raised about policing strategies in general.

Some districts in the region have gotten rid of SROs altogether. Others have made changes to SRO agreements, with Alexandria recently limiting how SROs can question students and explicitly blocking them from inquiring about immigration status. Loudoun County recently reversed a plan to expand its existing SRO program into county elementary schools, WTOP reported in March.