Meet Groton School Resource Officer Marvel Bennett

Information via Town of Groton Police

GROTON, CT — Meet Groton Middle School’s School Resource Officer (SRO) Marvel Bennett

Tell us about yourself:

I was born in Jamaica and moved to the USA in 1998. After high school I worked a number of jobs before being hired as a police officer in 2012. I actually completed my bachelor’s degree while enrolled at the police academy. I met my wife in 2010 while working as a security officer at Travelers Insurance in Hartford. She’s been by my side since then. She’s been an 8th grade English teacher for over 15 years. We now have a 4 going on 14 year old daughter.

Tell us about your career with Groton PD before being assigned to GMS:

I have been a police officer with the Town of Groton for almost 9 years. Prior to becoming the Groton Middle School SRO, I was predominantly assigned to the midnight shift. I really enjoyed traffic enforcement and specifically, DUI enforcement. I want our roads to be safe for my family and everyone else traveling through Groton and I always felt a sense of accomplishment getting drunk drivers off the road.

What was it like being part of the opening of a brand new middle school this past year?

It has been very exciting being a part of this process. Watching the kids do their initial tours and then coming in on their first day of school was an amazing feeling. As the SRO, the safety of the students and staff is my number one priority. I, along with the school administrators, have addressed a number of issues to ensure the safety of the school community. It’s awesome to be part of this experience.

Walk us through a typical day at school for you:

Pick-up and drop-off are key times during our school day. Both in the morning and afternoon, I assist with this transition and I think it helps parents feel a sense of comfort knowing I’m there for the safety and well-being of their kids. Once in the building I spend the first 20-30 minutes checking all entrances. It might appear aimless to others but part of maintaining a safe environment is being proactive and addressing the little things.

I spend the rest of the day going to every class on every floor. I do this multiple times each day. Due to COVID I don’t get to spend as much time in each room but I make my presence felt. I stop in and speak with teachers and counselors as well. During the passing times I spend my time in the hallways amongst the students. The kids really seem to embrace my presence. I also help the ladies from the cafeteria hand out lunches during each lunch wave. When everyone is taken care of, I try to scarf down my own lunch. Of course, things come up throughout the day could change my whole schedule, so I just roll with it.

Describe your relationship with the students and staff:

I feel a strong sense of responsibility to the students and staff here at GMS. I have enjoyed cultivating relationships with the students. My favorite times are when I can connect with a kid who might not otherwise feel comfortable speaking to a police officer. When one of my students moved to a new town in the middle of last semester, I was surprised by how affected we both were. Building those bonds is what this position is all about. The staff here at GMS are great and everyone has really been rolling with the curve balls thrown by COVID. I have been on a few home visits with counselors which has been fruitful when they have happened. It’s great meeting parents and having personal conversations regarding their child, etc.

What has been the most challenging part about this school year?

As hard as it is to believe, mask wearing has made things very difficult. Missing facial expressions when interacting makes cultivating relationships very difficult. I wish I could get into the classrooms more and interact with the kids. That’s the toughest part.

What is the most rewarding thing about your job?

Prior to becoming an SRO, it was my work with traffic enforcement and getting drunk drivers off the road. Since then, standing in the dining hall at the school and having kids tell me about their lives and their dreams. That’s usually the best part of my days.

What do you like to do when you’re not at work/school?

I took up yoga in April of 2020. I’ve also started working out a lot more with a normal schedule. I gave up playing soccer for fear of injury but I spend a lot of time watching and following the sport. I thoroughly enjoy a long hike, New Hampshire being our favorite place to hike.