Helping to provide a safe learning environment
The goal of the Poudre School District School Resource Officer (SRO) program is to provide a safe learning environment and help reduce school violence while improving perceptions and relations between students, staff and law enforcement officials. PSD and its partner agencies agree not only to help protect the safety of PSD’s school communities but also continue striving toward a restorative-practices approach to disciplinary issues.
SRO Feedback Form
As part of PSD's commitment to ongoing evaluation of the SRO program, the district created a new online form that students, staff, families and community members can use to share feedback about their interactions with SROs
Completing the form is voluntary. For those completing the feedback form, the more information you share, the more helpful it will be for teams reviewing it.
Feedback is reviewed by PSD’s security manager, as well as supervisors from PSD’s three contracted law enforcement agencies: Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and Timnath Police Department. Information may be used to inform changes to the SRO program.
2024 SRO Board Report
Get to Know our SROs
- SRO Dane Stratton serving Poudre Community Academy, Lincoln Middle School, Putnam and Irish Elementary Schools (Fort Collins Police Services video)
- SRO Dexter Rowe serving Boltz Middle School and feeder schools (FCPS video)
SRO Roles and Procedures
Standard operating procedures (SOPs), developed with input from the Community Advisory Council and stakeholders, provide direction and ensure shared understanding of the role of SROs.
Facts about the SRO program and SOPs
- The SRO program's goal is to provide a safe learning environment and help reduce school violence while improving perceptions and relations between students, staff and law enforcement officials. PSD and its partner agencies agree not only to help protect the safety of PSD’s school communities but also continue striving toward a restorative-practices approach to disciplinary issues. ·
- School administrators have broad latitude in addressing minor violations of the Student Rights and Code of Conduct that may also be violations of the law.
- Minor violations should be addressed by the school administrators without involvement of the SRO. In general, SROs shall not be involved in school disciplinary matters.
- In certain circumstances, school administrators may be required to report situations to law enforcement for investigation (e.g. child subjected to abuse or neglect; school-related threats of violence; crimes with victims).
- If a student reports a situation either to an SRO or school administrator, the official should listen to the report.
- If it is a minor Code of Conduct violation, it should be referred to a school administrator.
- If a SRO interviews a student witness or victim, the school administrator shall make every attempt to notify the students’ parent/guardian about the reported incident and interview.
- If a SRO is interviewing a suspect of a crime, they shall do so in accordance with the law.
- PSD provides guidance and training for school staff to respond to incidents involving students in crisis in a way that protects staff and students and does not require a SRO to respond. A PSD Mental Health Co-Responder Team, comprised of a PSD mental health professional and SRO, is only called to intervene in non-criminal situations with students when there is a threat of injury to the student in crisis, other students, school staff or other individuals.
SRO School Assignments
For emergencies, call 911.
SRO Supervisor, Fort Collins Police Services
Sergeant Andy Ferraro | 970.221.6540 | aferraro@fcgov.com
SRO Supervisor, Larimer County Sheriff's Office
Sergeant Robert Cook | 970.619.4044 | cookrl@co.larimer.co.us
SROs at Middle and High Schools
High Schools
Centenniel: Officer Cain Anliker | 970.472.3871 | canliker@psdschools.org
Fort Collins: Officer Jason Epling | 970.488.8010 | jepling@psdschools.org
Fossil Ridge: Officer Adam Brunjes | 970.488.6306 | abrunjes@psdschools.org
PCA: Officer Dane Stratton | 970.488.5786 | dstratton@psdschools.org
Polaris: Officer Jaclyn Shaklee | 970.488.4046 | jshaklee@psdschools.org
Poudre: Officer Josh Golden | 970.488.6095 | jgolden@psdschools.org
Rocky Mountain: Officer Sarah Klich | 970.488.7013 | sklich@psdschools.org
Middle-High Schools
Timnath: Officer Brian York | 970.419.3419 | byork@psdschools.org
Wellington: Deputy Nancy Remington | 970.472.2718 | nancy@psdschools.org
Middle Schools
Blevins: Officer Jaclyn Shaklee | 970.488.4046 | jshaklee@psdschools.org
Boltz: Officer Dexter Rowe | 970.472.3705 | drowe@psdschools.org
Cache La Poudre: Deputy Brendan Solano | 970.488.7412 | bsolano@psdschools.org
Kinard: Officer Kate Garcia | 970.488.5430 | kgarcia@psdschools.org
Lesher: Officer Cain Anliker | 970.472.3871 | canliker@psdschools.org
Lincoln: Officer Dane Stratton | 970.488.5786 | dstratton@psdschools.org
PCA: Officer Dane Stratton | 970.488.5786 | dstratton@psdschools.org
Polaris: Officer Jaclyn Shaklee | 970.488.4046 | jshaklee@psdschools.org
Preston: Officer Megan Savage | 970.490-3698 | msavage@psdschools.org
Webber: Officer Mike Natalzia | 970.488.7829 | mnatalzia@psdschools.org
Online Learning Schools
Global Academy: Officer Cain Anliker | 970.472.3871 | canliker@psdschools.org
PSD Virtual: Officer Jared Sargent | 970.416.2399 | jsargent@psdschools.org
SRO Contacts for Elementary and Additional Schools
Bacon: Officer Kate Garcia | 970.488.5430 | kgarcia@psdschools.org
Bamford: Deputy Nancy Remington | 970.488.6653 | nancy@psdschools.org
Bauder: Officer Jaclyn Shaklee | 970.488.4046 | jshaklee@psdschools.org
Beattie: Officer Mike Natalzia | 970.488.7829 | mnatalzia@psdschools.org
Bennett: Officer Jaclyn Shaklee | 970.488.4046 | jshaklee@psdschools.org
Bethke: Officer Brian York | 970.224-32311 | byork@psdschools.org
Cache La Poudre: Deputy Brendan Solano | 970.488.7412 | bsolano@psdschools.org
Dunn: Officer Jaclyn Shaklee | 970.488.4046 | jshaklee@psdschools.org
Eyestone: Deputy Nancy Remington | 970.488.6653 | nancy@psdschools.org
Harris: Officer Cain Anliker | 970.472.3871 | canliker@psdschools.org
Irish: Officer Dane Stratton | 970.488.5786 | dstratton@psdschools.org
Johnson: Officer Mike Natalzia | 970.488.7829 | mnatalzia@psdschools.org
Kruse: Officer Megan Savage | 970.490-3698 | msavage@psdschools.org
Laurel: Officer Dexter Rowe | 970.472.3705 | drowe@psdschools.org
Linton: Officer Megan Savage | 970.490-3698 | msavage@psdschools.org
Livermore: Deputy Brendan Solano | 970.488.7412 | bsolano@psdschools.org
Lopez: Officer Mike Natalzia | 970.488.7829 | mnatalzia@psdschools.org
McGraw: Officer Mike Natalzia | 970.488.7829 | mnatalzia@psdschools.org
O'Dea: Officer Dexter Rowe | 970.472.3705 | drowe@psdschools.org
Olander: Officer Mike Natalzia | 970.488.7829 | mnatalzia@psdschools.org
Putnam: Officer Dane Stratton | 970.488.5786 | dstratton@psdschools.org
Red Feather: Deputy Brendan Solano | 970.488.7412 | bsolano@psdschools.org
Rice: Deputy Nancy Remington | 970.488.6653 | nancy@psdschools.org
Riffenburgh: Officer Dexter Rowe | 970.472.3705 | drowe@psdschools.org
Shepardson: Officer Dexter Rowe | 970.472.3705 | drowe@psdschools.org
Stove Prairie: Deputy Brendan Solano | 970.488.7412 | bsolano@psdschools.org
Tavelli: Officer Cain Anliker | 970.472.3871 | canliker@psdschools.org
Timnath: Officer Brian York | 970.224-32311 | byork@psdschools.org
Traut: Officer Megan Savage | 970.490-3698 | msavage@psdschools.org
Werner: Officer Kate Garcia | 970.488.5430 | kgarcia@psdschools.org
Zach: Officer Kate Garcia | 970.488.5430 | kgarcia@psdschools.org
Additional schools
Fullana: Officer Dane Stratton | 970.488.5786 | dstratton@psdschools.org
Global Academy: Officer Cain Anliker | 970.472.3871 | canliker@psdschools.org
PSD Virtual: Officer Jared Sargent | 970.416.2399 | jsargent@psdschools.org
Program Evaluation in 2021-22 School Year
A steering committee, comprised of law enforcement representatives and PSD staff, reviewed the SRO program four times during the school year. The committee analyzed data and program experiences, evaluated the implementation of the SOPS and designed required trainings.
In addition to training that law enforcement agencies require SROs to go through, up to four joint trainings took place during the school year. Trainings were required for PSD administrators and SROs and covered topics including but not limited to the program and SOPs, as well as restorative practices, cybercrimes and school law.
During the school year, PSD staff also provided regular updates to the Board of Education.
- Aug. 23, 2022 SRO update to the board
- May 10, 2022, SRO update to the board
- Jan. 25, 2022, SRO update to the board
- Oct. 26, 2021, SRO update to the board
Program Evaluation in 2020-21
In spring of 2020, members of PSD communities expressed concerns about the presence of SROs in PSD schools. Concerns included but weren’t limited to the existence of a school-to-prison pipeline and the lifelong impact it has on some students in our schools, particularly students of color. The PSD Board of Education directed the school district to conduct a comprehensive review of the issue to determine whether to continue the SRO program.
This review included gathering input from PSD staff, students and families and culminated with recommendations to the board from a community committee known as the Community Advisory Council. The board took this critical feedback into consideration before deciding in May 2021 to continue the SRO program and directing staff to negotiate with the three law enforcement agencies that employ the SROs: Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and Timnath Police Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the SRO program start? Who is part of the agreement? Does it include charter schools?
When did the SRO program start in PSD?1995
How many SROs are part of PSD’s agreements with Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office and Timnath Police Department, and where do they work?
- One SRO assigned to each high school (four total).
- One SRO assigned to each middle school (seven total).
- Those SROs are assigned to elementary schools and other district sites, including Early Childhood Education.
Are SROs assigned to PSD-authorized charter schools?No. The SRO agreements do not include PSD’s authorized charter schools: Liberty Common, Ridgeview Classical Schools, Mountain Sage, Compass Collaborative School or Fort Collins Montessori.
Are SROs PSD employees? Who hires them and pays for them? Who is responsible for SRO performance?
Are SROs school district employees? No. SROs are employees of their contracted law enforcement agency.
Who hires the SROs?An SRO Personnel Committee, consisting of at least two staff from PSD (at a minimum, must include the middle or high school principal/designee from where the SRO will be located and PSD’s security manager/designee); two members of the hiring law enforcement agency; and one PSD student. The committee will recruit, interview and evaluate SRO applicants and give the chief/sheriff of the hiring law enforcement agency a favorable recommendation (this is a majority consensus of the committee). The chief/sheriff has the sole discretion to appoint officers as SROs from the list of recommended applicants.
Who pays for the SROs?PSD is contracted to pay 50% of the employment costs for each SRO and supervisor assigned to the program based on a 220 working-day school year. The district also pays the law enforcement agency on a quarterly basis 50% of the previous quarter’s overtime costs for SROs that work overtime hours performing school-related business and while working at district events, as requested by the district.
Who is responsible for SRO performance?The law enforcement agency is responsible for taking any necessary or appropriate disciplinary action against any SRO or SRO supervisor and will consult with PSD when doing so. The district will provide regular feedback to the SRO and SRO supervisor about performance, and participate in reviews, evaluations and planning for SRO positions. PSD will immediately report to the law enforcement agency any instances of alleged misconduct or discrimination, and PSD and the law enforcement agency will cooperate with one another if there is an investigation of allegations of misconduct or discrimination.
What equipment do SRO use? How are they trained?
What equipment do SROs use?The SROs working in PSD schools are outfitted with standard law enforcement equipment to fulfill job duties.
What trainings do SROs go through?Law enforcement agencies are responsible for providing basic SRO training (i.e. Colorado Association of SROs, National Association of SROs, etc.) to all new SROs before they start in PSD as an SRO or as soon as reasonably possible after commencement of employment. The agencies will also provide PSD annually with a list of required trainings for SROs. Examples of required SRO trainings through contracted law enforcement agencies include but aren’t limited to bias policing, ethics, bias-motivated crimes, less lethal and weaponless control, mental health, hazmat/exposure, firearms, driving, community policing/partnership, electronic control weapons (Taser), child abuse, threat assessments, CPR/first aid, restorative justice, victim’s rights, equity/diversity/inclusion, and more.
Can SROs engage with students, staff and the community? Can they participate in classroom instruction?
Can SROs participate in classroom instruction?Yes. Upon request by a school administrator or designee, SROs may assist school staff in conducting specialized classes on topics such as the role of policing in the community, search and seizure, traffic laws, crime prevention, victims’ rights, youth programs and community involvement. Before the class takes place, PSD will provide notice to parents/guardians of the students who would participate in the class and provide the opportunity for the parent/guardian to opt their student out of the class. If the parent/guardian does opt their student out, PSD will provide a comparable alternative for the student to receive the information.
Can SROs engage with students, staff and the community?Yes, in some circumstances. SROs will seek to establish working relationships with students, staff and community members. Upon invitation by a school administrator, SROs may attend parent, staff, administrative or other meetings to provide information about the program, as well as to provide opportunities for involvement and support. SROs may also participate in discussions during classes to establish rapport with students, as request by a school employee. PSD must provide prior notice to parents/guardians in the class and give parents/guardians the opportunity to opt their student out of class. SROs shall not be used for regularly assigned lunchroom duties, hall monitoring or other monitoring duties, or other matters outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures.
Can SROs arrest students?
SROs, as law enforcement officers, can only detain or take into physical custody those students for whom there is reasonable suspicion or probable cause that they have committed a criminal offense. If the SRO determines that a criminal complaint needs to be filed with the juvenile or district court, a juvenile complaint, rather than an arrest, is the preferred method of bringing the student to court. Prior to filing the complaint, the SRO will consider whether a referral to a community program is appropriate. SROs will not serve as school disciplinarians or enforcers of school regulations; they shall not use police powers to address traditional school discipline issues, including non-violent disruptive behavior.
Do SROs respond if a student is suicidal?
PSD will provide guidance and training for school staff to respond to incidents involving students in crisis in a way that protects staff and students and does not require a SRO to respond. A PSD Mental Health Co-Responder Team, comprised of a PSD mental health professional and SRO, should only be called to intervene in non-criminal situations with students when there is a threat of injury to the student in crisis, other students, school staff or other individuals. The team intends to provide crisis stabilization for students experiencing a mental health crisis, which may be characterized by suicidal ideation/intent/plan; a recent suicide attempt; or a severe mental health symptom (e.g. depression, anxiety, panic, psychosis, distress). It may be self-defined by the student or identified by a PSD mental health professional.
The goal of the Co-Responder Team is to provide professional, compassionate and comprehensive services through collaboration between mental health professionals and SROs. The primary focus is to help the student experiencing crisis by addressing their immediate needs and routing them to the appropriate level of care.
Can an SRO question a student, parent/guardian or family member about their immigration status or work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
No. SROs shall not question students, parents/guardians or family members about their immigration status. SROs will not assist ICE officers in any way in conjunction with their assignment as an SRO or in any work related to students and their educations. Information obtained by SROs from student records or in connection with the SRO program will not be released to ICE personnel, law enforcement agencies or to other agencies investigating a student or their family member’s immigration status.