School Resource Officer

Lt. Craig Alexander is the officer assigned to the Oskaloosa Community School District as it's School Resource Officer (SRO). He has been working with the School District full-time since September of 2003. Lt. Alexander has offices at Oskaloosa Senior High School, Oskaloosa Middle School and Oskaloosa Elementary School and is responsible for the safety and law related education of the entire school district and as such maintains a visible presence in both the elementary and secondary schools of Oskaloosa. 

The School Resource Officer program is a problem-solving approach to reducing crime by assigning a police officer to the school district to establish an ongoing rapport with students, staff, and parents.  The basic goals are:

• To provide a safe learning environment and help reduce school         violence.

•  To improve school/law enforcement collaboration.

•  To improve perceptions and relations between students, staff, and law enforcement officials.

Programs Available

The following programs can be used in a classroom setting or presentations may also be given to a variety of parent groups, organizations, or associations upon request.

1. Drug Awareness Information

2. Drunk Driving and the .02 Law

3. Teens, Alcohol and the Law

4. Stranger Danger

5. Shoplifting

6. Criminal Mischief

7. Date Rape

8. Domestic Violence

9. Government -- Rights and Responsibilities

10. Bicycle Safety

11. Community Policing Questions and Answers

12. Harassment

13. Suicide Prevention

Drug Awareness

If you are concerned that your child may be using drugs:

SIGNS TO LOOK FOR :

You may notice, and perhaps dismiss some of the things in the below list.  While no one item signals drug use, all are signs to look for.  If several have happened in your family, there may be a greater cause for concern.

•  Increase in need for money

•  Increased secrecy

•  Loss of personal property (items sold for cash)

•  New friendships that don't fit the norm

•  Change in eating or sleeping habits

•  Change in behavior, i.e.; violence, lying, betrayal of trust, apathy

•  Sudden loss (or gain) of weight without cause

•  Increase in illness/injury

•  Change in school behavior/grades

ITEMS TO WATCH FOR :

•  Original or homemade pipes of any kind (pipes may be made of metal, wood or household items of any kind).

•  Plastic baggies of any size/type

•  Extra, unexplained cash

•  Valuable items described as belonging to a "friend"

•  Matches and lighters

•  Drug related graffiti, music or symbols in room or on clothing

PLEASE UNDERSTAND :

The best defense is a good offense.  Stay in touch with your child's friends.  Invite them to your house and observe their behavior.  Are they comfortable around adults?  Are they unusually secretive?

Take time to listen (really listen) to your kid's music.  Ask questions of your kids or check for a description of the type of message a particular group gives.  You can check the words at the following web site:  http://www.lyrics.ch

REMEMBER:

Every child is different and most will naturally have a few of the above traits at times without drug use.  If you have questions or concerns, talk to your kids.  If you are met with rebellion, keep trying with a nurturing attitude.  Getting defensive doesn't work.  This "team building" mode can take time.   Explain that you just want to get to know them better.  Most will eventually come around.  Starting when your kids are young will help a lot.

Keep the line of communication open. Let them know that it's OK to have an opinion. Tell them that you will try to respect theirs, within your established house rules.

Whatever the situation, most kids go through tough times and weather them with help and love.  "Tough Love" is the process of sticking to your beliefs and morals without compromise.   Even if it means harsh consequences for your child's actions.  Constantly bailing kids out of situations with money, influence or compromise has led many frustrated parents down a dark path.  Kids become lost and confused the first time "mommy and daddy" are not there to patch up a problem they are faced with.  Effective consequences lead to positive change!

Students, parents, police officers and others are encouraged to ask questions or leave comments concerning the program.  In order for our students to be successful, we must all work together to protect the school environment and maintain an atmosphere where teachers feel safe to teach and students feel safe to learn.

For comments, questions, or further explanation of any program, please contact Lt. Craig Alexander call (641)673-3201 or (641) 673-8308 at the schools or e-mail us at:

barnard@mahaskacounty.org or mcgee@mahaskacounty.org