SROs Will Be Allowed Only In HCPSS High Schools This Fall

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — School resource officers will not be in middle schools or elementary schools for the 2021-2022 school year, according to the Howard County Public School System's board of education. The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the Howard County Police Department that allows school resource officers in high schools only for the upcoming school year.

The memorandum of agreement maps out the following:

• Recognition that a vast majority of student misconduct is best addressed via the HCPSS student code of conduct and through classroom and in-school strategies.
• HCPSS school administrators will implement HCPSS policies and student code of conduct without involving SROs.
• Both HCPSS and HCPD will support an equity and antiracism focus by addressing systemic racism and systemic inequities.
• SROs will wear the HCPD-provided “dressed down” uniform daily except when HCPD’s policy requires officers to wear the standard issued uniform.
• HCPSS will provide training for SROs including restorative justice practices, culturally responsive practices, racial equity, disability awareness, de-escalation practices and other training specifically aimed at addressing racial, ethnic and class disparities in how students are treated.