AACPS, the Office of School Security and individual schools, are engaged in collaborative partnerships with a variety of agencies. These collaborations aid in the implementation of prevention and awareness programs and assist students when emergency incidents occur. Agencies involved in this collaborative partnership include, but are not limited to:
- Anne Arundel County and Annapolis City police departments
- Anne Arundel County and Annapolis City fire departments
- Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office
- Anne Arundel County Department of Health
- Anne Arundel County Mobile Crisis Response Unit
The Anne Arundel County Police Department's School Resource Unit (SRU) is integral in this collaboration. School Resource Officers (SROs) are fully-sworn, uniformed Anne Arundel County Police Officers (employed by Anne Arundel County Police Department, not Anne Arundel County Public Schools), that are assigned to every high school and many AACPS middle schools. A School Resource Officer's primary responsibility is to serve as a sworn law enforcement officer within his/her assigned school community. Secondary responsibilities include serving as a mentor, instructor, and positive role model to students. School Resource Officers wear the complete uniform, including all issued equipment for patrol officers, while on duty at his/her assignment.
Every School Resource Officer strives to work closely and cooperatively with the school's teachers, guidance counselors, and administrators. The Anne Arundel County Police Department's School Safety Section Commander, or his/her designee, is the department's primary liaison with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Anyone with questions regarding a School Resource Officer's duties and responsibilities can inquire further at 410-222-0040.
Along with the aforementioned partnerships, parents and community members can also be invaluable partners with the school system by maintaining open lines of communication and keeping abreast of the latest trends.
