Every parent deserves to know their child is safe and secure at school, surrounded by people who are not only trained to keep children safe, but also genuinely care about their well-being.

For Wright County Sheriff’s Deputy and school resource officer (SRO) Austin Henre, that is exactly what draws him to the job.

“There was a child who was having problems at home. I was able to listen, offer guidance and help him regain some confidence. Eventually, he got back into sports and looking at things in a more positive light,” said Henre. “That student reached out again a few months later and described to me the positive influence I had on him.”

That sense of security begins with trust, which is the foundation of a successful SRO program. It starts with selecting the right candidates and helping them develop skills from their experiences as patrol officers to understand the unique needs of working in schools.

“They are on the frontlines of prevention and education. In most cases, they are the first contact with law enforcement that most people have and that comes with extra responsibility,” said Jenny Boswell, Minnesota School Safety Center SRO coordinator. “It is our job to make sure they have all the tools available to assist them in doing the job right.”

For over a decade, staff with the Minnesota School Safety Center (MnSSC) program of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division have been training SROs. This year, for the first time, that training is mandatory for law enforcement working in schools. The Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified training provides a foundation for the state’s more than 300 SROs.

The training goes beyond traditional policing, focusing on building positive relationships with parents and school officials, enhancing school security and promoting conflict resolution. The 40-hour course reinforces the vital role SROs play in building relationships between law enforcement and the school community, ensuring a collaborative approach to safety, education and mentorship.

“Getting to know your students and being a part of that community made me excited to be an SRO,” said Henre. “It is the best job.”

About the Minnesota School Safety Center

The MnSCC, which is funded by the state legislature, provides services, training and resources to individual schools and school districts to help them with any emergency, free of charge. MnSSC works with each school to provide individualized services and training to fit their needs.

 learn more about the MnSCC on our school resource officer training page.