This week in News from the Desk of Sheriff James F. Potter, Sheriff Potter is preparing for back to school as the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office continues to work with local schools to provide students with a safe learning environment. The safety of the students, parents, and school staff is our priority today and every day of the year.
From the Desk Of Sheriff James F. Potter DeSoto County
The 4th of July is in the rear-view mirror and summer vacations are winding down which can only signal one thing, the 2022-2023 school year is quickly approaching. As I reflect on the safety and security of our schools, I wanted to share that the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) will continue to work hand in hand with the DeSoto County School District to provide our students with a safe environment so they can focus on their educational experience. Each year, DCSO School Resource Deputies (SRO) are trained at the annual School Safety Training Conference provided by the Florida Association of School Resource Officers (FASRO). All DCSO Deputies to include School Resource Deputies, also receive continued training within our office in areas such as firearms, driving, Tasers, legal updates, and deescalation techniques, to name a few. All SRO Deputies are well trained In Active School Shooter and Crisis Intervention Training and are prepared to engage should the unspeakable arise. In the next few weeks, our SRDs will attend the same training but will include new insights on school threats and proactive resources to assist them in identifying such threats. As your Sheriff, I am an advocate of continuous training for all employees, sworn and otherwise.
School Resource Deputies have gained a wealth of information over their career, knowledge that is shared with the students, their parents, and each school’s staff. Because each student and school may differ in specific needs, the SRO is there to assist and develop a positive Law Enforcement relationship as well as ensure school safety. They conduct classroom presentations on various subjects, including crime and violence prevention, safety, and alcohol and drug prevention. Each SRO walks the hallways and observes and checks classrooms, parking lots, and any other area on school grounds on a continuous basis ensuring the campus is secure and free from external distraction.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office will feature a series of Facebook posts beginning July 27, highlighting the training our deputies participate in to keep your children safe. This training is ever-changing due to the current climate of our nation, but I want to assure you that we are keeping up with these trends and will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of our schools.
Be Alert, Be Safe, and Be Kind
School Resource Deputies have gained a wealth of information over their career, knowledge that is shared with the students, their parents, and each school’s staff. Because each student and school may differ in specific needs, the SRO is there to assist and develop a positive Law Enforcement relationship as well as ensure school safety. They conduct classroom presentations on various subjects, including crime and violence prevention, safety, and alcohol and drug prevention. Each SRO walks the hallways and observes and checks classrooms, parking lots, and any other area on school grounds on a continuous basis ensuring the campus is secure and free from external distraction.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office will feature a series of Facebook posts beginning July 27, highlighting the training our deputies participate in to keep your children safe. This training is ever-changing due to the current climate of our nation, but I want to assure you that we are keeping up with these trends and will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of our schools.
Be Alert, Be Safe, and Be Kind
