The Rawlins Police Department is working hard to increase positive contacts between the officers and the youth in the community and to ensure a safe school environment for our children. In 2004 the police department started a School Resource Officer Program (SRO) and an "Adopt A School" program.

The SRO program puts a uniformed police officer in the schools to work with the administrators to help reduce the level of juvenile delinquency in the community. This program also provides positive contacts with law enforcement by putting the officer closer to the students. The SRO presents information in the classroom on subjects related to legal issues, drugs, alcohol and safety. The SRO is also in the schools to help ensure the security and safety of our students.

The "Adopt A School" program is another step the department has taken to increase positive contacts between students and law enforcement. Each of the police department's patrol officers has "adopted" a school where they spend time when students are free to speak with officers, such as before and after school, during recess and lunch periods. This allows children to get to know the officers as someone they can trust and rely on in a time of need. This also allows the officers to become more familiar with the schools and the students

Don't be surprised to see a patrol car parked outside the school in your neighborhood, that is just part of our goal, to keep our children safe and to build a stronger community.

Caleb Robertson