Plymouth PD suspends SRO’s

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Changes in state law impact school resource officers
Post Date:08/31/2023 2:30 pm

Due to recent changes in state law, the Plymouth Police Department will suspend placing school resource officers inside public schools during the coming school year.

The suspension will remain in place until the law is changed. In the meantime, the Plymouth Police Department will continue to work with the Wayzata and Robbinsdale school districts to provide services to the schools related to safety and security. During the suspension, school resource officers will be reassigned to the Patrol Division.

The changes in state law apply to school resource officers, and law enforcement and security personnel who are acting as agents of the schools. The law does not apply to police officers who are not under a school contract.

About the Changes in State Law

For more than 30 years, school resource officers (SROs) have been stationed in Plymouth high schools and middle schools and have often been called upon to immediately respond when an altercation occurs at a school. Recent changes to Minnesota Statute 121A prohibit or limit an SRO’s ability to physically intervene, de-escalate situations, separate fighting students, restrain/control fighting students, or hold aggressors on the floor.

“The way the law is written right now, we are unable to find a viable way for our officers to provide safe and effective service in the schools,” said Plymouth Public Safety Director Erik Fadden. “The law restricts school resource officers from effectively responding during incidents, which may leave students, staff, parents and officers vulnerable to undue harm.”

The changes to state law were included in the Education Omnibus bill passed during the most recent legislative session and went into effect Aug. 1.

“The ability to physically intervene is necessary to de-escalate situations and protect students and staff,” added Fadden. “The changes in state law may make these measures illegal, and subject officers and police departments to criminal and civil liability.”