CUSTER COUNTY SCHOOLS
Home of the Bobcats
School Resource Officer (SRO)/Student Safety
Student Resource Officer
Hours and Contact Information
Monday-Thursday - 8:00am-4:00pm
Deputy James Barr - Student Resource Officer
(719) 783-4945
Greetings,
As some of you may be aware, the Custer County Sheriff’s Office and the Custer County School District have been working together for six years to build a positive working environment in the school. The program started off small with Deputies working in the school on their days off, and the program has developed to where there is a deputy assigned as a full time School Resource Officer (SRO) in the school every day.
I am Deputy James Barr, the SRO at the Custer County School. I am beginning my second year as the full time SRO for the Custer County Schools and I am excited to be back. I have been involved in public service for approximately 19 years, 15 of which have been in law enforcement. I have been trained in numerous areas over my career, but most recently it has all been directed towards schools and school safety. I have taken and completed both the Basic and Advance SRO training through the National Association of School Resource Officers and am certified as a School Resource Officer.
Some parents or citizens may be concerned about having a deputy in the school, believing this may lead to more policing actions, or students will be intimidated by my presence in the school. Let me first assure you my primary role in the school is for the safety and security of all students and staff. Yes, there may be an occasion where I must act in my capacity as a Deputy in the Sheriff’s Office, however there are clear policies in place for the school staff to handle almost all behavioral issues as they arise, and I will only be involved if the staff cannot resolve the situation. In my opinion most behavior issues can and should be handled by the school, and we will work very hard to ensure this is the case. There are occasions when an issue will arise that needs law enforcement involvement, and I will handle this with discretion.
My objectives as the SRO for the Custer County School are as follows:
- Build a positive relationship with the students and staff.
- Encourage students in all areas at school and in their personal lives.
- Be a mentor to students and staff.
- Be an informal counselor to students.
- Protecting the students, staff, and the school by constantly evaluating security measures and procedures.
- Taking proactive enforcement measures if a situation deems necessary for the welfare of all involved.
It is my honor and privilege to serve the Community, Students, and School as the SRO for the Custer County School District. If you ever have any questions about the School Resource Officer position or would like to visit with me about this great program, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
James Barr
Custer County Sheriff’s Office
A safe learning environment is essential for students of all ages. Without it they are unable to focus on learning the skills needed for a successful education and future. When violence is part of the educational setting, all students are affected in some way. Even though your child may not be the actual victim of violence in school, there is a very good chance that he or she will witness violent acts throughout the educational years.
The Custer County School District has a well developed crisis prevention and response plan that is continually updated with new prevention and response strategies. Employees are continually trained on this plan. Additionally, cooperative efforts to strengthen the plan occur on a regular basis with the Custer County Office of Emergency Management and other applicable county agencies.
