School Resource Officers

Police Officers in Schools

The concept of having police officers in schools has actually been around since the 1950's in communities all across America. In the late 1970's, the Valparaiso Police Department began by partnering with the Valparaiso school system and assigning detectives to act as liaison officers within the high school.

In 1997, the Valparaiso Police Department assigned its first School Resource Officer (SRO) to the Valparaiso High School. Starting in 1999, Valparaiso has had SRO's assigned to the school system, at the high school and alternative school, as well as the city's two middle schools.

Current Officers

Currently, the Valparaiso Police Department has assigned Sergeant Pat Yokovich, Officer Shannon Morris, and Officer Rob Fisher to the position of School Resource Officer's. Sergeant Pat Yokovich is assigned to the Valparaiso High School. Officer Shannon Morris works closely with students and staff at Thomas Jefferson Middle School and Officer Rob Fisher works closely with students and staff at Ben Franklin Middle School. Both middle school officer's work with all of Valparaiso's elementary schools as well.

The SRO's serve as guest instructors, counselors/mentors, and as a law enforcement officer in their daily role on duty. They investigate criminal acts within the school system and crimes within the community that are school-related. Their presence acts as a deterrent for delinquent and inappropriate behavior, providing a safe learning environment for the students and staff.

Learn additional information about the current Valparaiso school resource officers.