The School Resource Officer (SRO) program within the Southern Lehigh School District is a joint venture between the School District and the Upper Saucon Police Department.

The concept of having a School Resource Officer (SRO) has been around since the 1950's. The idea is to place a law enforcement officer in a school for three reasons. 

First, the officer is there to provide a law enforcement presence. By being visible to prevent problems and to be available to handle police related functions, such as crime investigation, the officer provides a safe learning environment. The second part of the SRO's job is to be a teacher. By working with classroom teachers and other faculty members the SRO can present information and answer questions on a variety of topics including the law, drugs, safety, crime prevention, violence prevention and community awareness of these issues. The third part of the triangle is counseling. Police officers can offer advice, mediation and direction to students, parents and faculty in various matters. As part of this counseling they can also offer direction to other resources in the community. 

School Resource Officers have become a valuable part of the school staff and an important link between students, the police and the community. They build a bond between young people and law enforcement that provides understanding from both sides. Students who feel safe become better learners and better citizens.

The program's emphasis is on:

• Developing a rapport with students, parents, and school personnel
• Presenting information on various crime prevention and safety topics
• Providing law enforcement resource assistance
• Identifying and counseling problem youth
• Diverting problem youth from the juvenile justice system

Crime Prevention Tips:
Thefts do occur at the High School

1. Theft of personal items is, unfortunately, something we have experienced at the High School. Most thefts occur in the gym locker rooms during Phys. Ed. classes. Students MUST lock personal items in a locker or leave them in a locked hallway locker. Money, cell phones, Ipods and back packs are common items that are stolen. 
2. Thefts from cars do occur, DO NOT leave valuable in cars. At the very least lock them in the trunk. AND: Always lock your vehicle when you leave it. 
   Leave it home or lock it up to avoid becoming a crime victim!

School Building Security & Safety

In an effort to make our schools safe we ask all parents/visitors to:

• Enter building through the designated front door

• Provide Photo ID

• Sign in at the office or front desk

• Obtain a visitor pass

• Sign out and hand in the pass when leaving

• Park in lots & avoid leaving vehicles in the fire lane