School Protection Officer

Protection Officer

The Protection Officer is responsible for providing armed security support to ensure a safe and secure environment for students, staff, and visitors across school campuses. This role involves active monitoring, emergency response, and collaboration with law enforcement to uphold district safety policies and ensure the welfare of the school community.

This position reports to the Director of Operations & Safety and the Building Principal.

• Safety and Crisis Response:
  Assist in emergency situations, notify authorities as necessary, and support administrators in crisis response. Implement emergency protocols (e.g., evacuations, lockdowns, severe weather).
• Armed Security:
  Adhere to all laws and district policies for carrying firearms and tactical equipment. Use restraint or appropriate levels of force when necessary to de-escalate situations.
• Emergency Medical Assistance:
  Provide emergency first aid, CPR, and crisis intervention to students and staff as needed.
• Monitoring and Surveillance:
  Operate and monitor security cameras, patrol school grounds, and check door security to deter unsafe or criminal activities.
• Student Supervision:
  Engage with students, monitor behavior, and ensure compliance with school policies in areas such as hallways, cafeteria, and during events.
• Traffic Control:
  Direct parking and traffic flow to maintain efficiency and safety during school events and peak times.
• Incident Documentation:
  Prepare and maintain logs, incident reports, and activity records to document actions taken and observations made.

Collaborative Responsibilities

• Community and Staff Engagement:
  Work with school staff, local law enforcement, and community representatives to develop and implement safety plans.
• Educational Outreach:
  Present information on topics such as bullying, drug awareness, and emergency preparedness to students, staff, and parents.
• Policy Enforcement:
  Support school administration in enforcing rules, conducting investigations, and managing potential violations of school policies or criminal actions.

Additional Responsibilities

• Documentation and Reporting:
  Maintain files and records for future reference and policy compliance, communicate incidents and safety updates, and participate in required training sessions, meetings, and workshops.
• Visitor and Student Escort:
  Escort students, visitors, and staff across campus to ensure their safety and adherence to security protocols.
• Equipment and
  
  Physical Requirements:
  
  Maintain physical readiness for prolonged periods of walking, standing, and possible exposure to various weather conditions. The SPO is to register and carry their personal firearm, in accordance with Missouri State Statute (610.665). The SPO must provide proof of legal ownership of the firearm. The weapon may need to be registered with regulatory bodies and inspected by a qualified technician to ensure it is in good working condition and safe to use.

• Skills:
  
  Strong communication and relational skills, ability to remain professional and composed under pressure, proficiency with office equipment and security systems, and accurate record-keeping.
• Knowledge:
  Understanding of crisis management, emergency protocols, first aid, and school safety policies.
• Abilities:
  Adaptable, able to maintain confidentiality, work collaboratively in diverse environments, and respond swiftly in emergencies with sound judgment.
• Experience:
  
  Experience in public safety, security, or law enforcement is preferred.
• Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent required; minimum of 60 college credit hours is preferred.
• Certifications:
  
  DESE Substitute Certificate; CPR/First Aid required; law enforcement commission or equivalent POST certification is preferred. Ongoing training in conflict resolution, crisis management, threat detection, and critical decision-making is required.
• MANDT Certification: a comprehensive, integrated approach to preventing, de-escalating, and if necessary, intervening when the behavior of an individual poses a threat of harm to themselves and/or others.
• SPO Certification: complete 112 minimum hours for initial training and 12 hours…