Spring Lake Park Police pulls SRO’s

[admin]

The Spring Lake Park Police Department has enjoyed many years of partnership with the Spring Lake Park School District to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) who serve the Spring Lake Park High School. In 2023, State legislators passed new legislation which has cre- ated significant uncertainty and potential liability for officers who would serve as SOs. This legislation will take effect during the 2023-2024 school year. In response to these changes and upon guidance from the City Attorney's Office, the Spring Lake Park Police Department has regrettably cancelled the contract, that allows an SO to be assigned to the Spring Lake Park High School. This cancellation will take effect on September 21, 2023.

The safety and security of all students and staff remains of utmost importance to the Spring Lake Park Police Department. While there will not be an SO present at the Spring Lake Park High School, officers will still have a presence near the school and will continue to quickly re- spond to emergency needs the school may have. Additionally, they will continue to positively interact and engage with our community's youth.

Discussions are occurring at local and state levels in Minnesota regarding the intent of the legislative change, and several agencies - including the League of Minnesota Cities, the Department of Education, the Minnesota Police Chiefs Association, the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association and the Attorney General's Office - are actively working towards possible solutions. Chief Antoine and the City of Spring Lake Park look forward to continuing conversations with law- makers to address the issues with this new legislation, in order to reestablish our partnership with Spring Lake Park schools in implementing an SO program.