By: Senator Rich Draheim
Recently there have been some significant developments in the School Resource Officer controversy that I wanted to update you on.
As you recall, for the last month or so, law enforcement agencies have withdrawn School Resource Officers (SROs) from schools across the state after Democrats and Gov. Walz made a change to use of force rules last session. The new law restricts School Resource Officers (SROs) from using “prone restraints” – literally, placing a student face down – to handle violent and dangerous situations. Police groups said the change would prevent officers from using their training to de-escalate dangerous situations and keep students and teachers safe.
Fortunately, things seem to be moving in the right direction. After weeks of outcry from parents, police, and school officials – to say nothing of ongoing Republican calls for a Special Session, legislative hearings, and decisive action – Gov. Walz and Democrat legislative leaders finally met with law enforcement groups to hear their concerns. Attorney General Keith Ellison also released a supplemental opinion to reassure officers about what the law does – and does not – prohibit. This allowed the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association to advise that SROs can return to schools right away.
This is great news for our kids, teachers, and communities. But it does not negate the need for legislative action to provide complete clarity on the rules governing SRO conduct and authority. I stand ready to partner on a bipartisan remedy that gives officers clear guidelines while also keeping schools safe.
In the meantime, I encourage you to check in with your local school district to find out their plans regarding SROs for this school year. Have they welcomed officers back, or are they sticking with an alternative arrangement for now? How has student behavior been so far this fall? What have staff told you about the environment? I also welcome your feedback on how this issue has been handled and how you – and your children – feel about SROs in schools. It is important for parents to stay up to date on these developments.
Parents want their kids to be safe at school. Teachers want to focus on educating students, not breaking up fights. And law enforcement officers want to do their jobs protecting the public – including when they are serving as School Resource Officers (SROs). I’m optimistic about where things are headed, but we still have work to do. Our children’s safety and education must be our paramount concern. Let’s figure out a way to move forward together.
Contact me:
If you have any questions about any of these issues or any other issue the legislature is working on, please don’t hesitate to contact me any time. My email is Sen.Rich.Draheim@Senate.mn, and my phone number is 651-296-5558.
And please follow me on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/SenatorRichDraheim/
It is a privilege to serve you.