Middlebury Community Schools

All MCSPD School Resource Officers (SROs) are graduates from the esteemed Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, possessing the highest caliber of training and expertise in law enforcement. In addition to this foundational training, each of our SROs will undergo comprehensive Basic School Resource Officer training provided by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) within their first year of employment.

This rigorous NASRO training equips our officers with the specialized knowledge, skills, and best practices necessary to effectively fulfill their roles within the educational environment. It covers a wide range of topics including school law, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and youth development, ensuring that our SROs are well-prepared to address the unique challenges and dynamics of school safety and security.

Furthermore, I am pleased to highlight that our department is committed to continuous professional development and growth. We have certified Field Training Officers (FTOs) who mentor and guide our new recruits through an intensive training program, ensuring that they not only meet but exceed the highest standards of performance and professionalism. Additionally, we have dedicated instructors within our department who are experts in various fields, providing ongoing training and education to all officers, including our SROs.

By investing in the training and development of our SROs, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Our SROs are not only highly skilled law enforcement professionals but also compassionate mentors and trusted allies within the school community. Together, with their comprehensive training and unwavering dedication, they stand ready to protect and serve, creating a safe and supportive environment where learning can flourish.

The Standard Response Protocol (SRP) provides consistent, clear, shared language and actions among all students, staff and first responders for all hazards. It is action based, and allows organizations, first responders, students, and parents to share a specific vocabulary for quick and coordinated action. It also acts as a tool for training which develops the muscle memory necessary to respond appropriately in moments of crisis.

The SRP is based on five actions: Hold, Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate, and Shelter.

If you'd like to learn more about SRP, you can visit their website by clicking the image below.

Raptor Visitor Management System FAQ

Our top priority is ensuring the safety and security of our students, staff, and visitors. The updated procedures for visitor check-in through Raptor Technologies are designed to maintain a secure environment within our schools. By strictly adhering to these protocols, we can effectively monitor and control who enters our buildings, ensuring that all visitors are authorized and accounted for.

These measures are not just administrative but critical to preventing unauthorized access and responding swiftly to potential threats. Compliance with these procedures allows us to maintain a safe learning environment for our students and provides peace of mind for parents, staff, and the community. Every step, from scanning IDs to monitoring visitor movement, is essential for school safety. 

MCSPD appreciates the staff and the community for their cooperation in following these updated protocols and contributing to the security of our educational environment. 

Visitor Check-In Policy:

1. Identification Scanning: All first-time visitors to the building are required to have their state-issued identification scanned through the Raptor system. Once scanned, the visitor's information is saved in the system for future visits.
2. Visitor Badge: After the visitor has been scanned and cleared to enter the building, a visitor badge must be printed. This badge should be placed on the upper right side of the visitor's shirt and must be worn at all times while inside the building.
3. Visitor Sign-Out: When the visitor's visit is complete, they must return to the front office to turn in their badge. The front office staff will then sign the visitor out of the system.
4. Visitor Movement: It is imperative to log the visitor's intended location within the building. Visitors should only be in the area they have been approved for and are not permitted to walk freely throughout the building.
5. Alert System: If an alert is triggered, MCSPD and building administration will immediately receive a text message, email, or both. The front office should then receive support from the administrative staff. MCSPD will contact the front office via phone call to confirm that everything is fine.
6. Handling Alerts: If a visitor triggers an alert, they are not allowed to leave the front office. A staff member must remain with the visitor until they leave the building.

These updated procedures ensure the safety and security of the school while allowing for efficient visitor management.

The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) is dedicated to providing the highest quality of training to school-based law enforcement officers to promote safer schools and safer children. NASRO is an association for school-based law enforcement officers, school administrators, and school security/safety professionals working as partners to protect students, faculty and staff, and their school community.

NASRO, the world’s leader in school-based policing, is a not-for-profit association founded in 1991 with an unrelenting commitment to school safety. Learn more about NASRO and school policing.

Our Frequently Asked Questions page provides answers to many important questions about school resource officers.

Our report, “To Protect & Educate: The School Resource Officer and the Prevention of Violence in Schools” provides valuable statistics that document the benefits of appropriately implemented school policing programs. Check out NASRO TO Protect & Educate.

NASRO has adopted Standards and Best Practices for the School Resource Officer Programs and supports the need for the standards to be used as a guide for new and existing SRO units and for the best practices to be reviewed and adopted by all law enforcement, school safety agencies and school boards, as recommended.

Read NASRO’s “Position Statement on Police Involvement in Student Discipline,” which provides important information on best practices for school policing.

The Read with a Cop program provides a unique opportunity for students to see police officers in a different light, beyond their traditional law enforcement roles. By participating in this program, officers have the chance to connect with students in a relaxed and friendly setting, breaking down barriers and building trust and rapport within the community.

Through shared stories and discussions, students not only improve their reading skills but also develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the men and women who serve and protect their neighborhoods. This program not only encourages a love for reading but also instills valuable lessons about respect, empathy, and cooperation.

For our officers, the Read with a Cop program offers a meaningful way to engage with our youth and make a positive impact in their lives. It provides an opportunity to build bridges, dispel misconceptions, and foster lasting relationships that extend beyond the classroom.

By investing in programs like Read with a Cop, we are not only promoting literacy and academic achievement but also strengthening community ties and building a foundation of trust and mutual respect between law enforcement and the next generation. Together, we can create safer, stronger, and more connected communities for all.

Through this initiative, our SROs will have the opportunity to get to know students on a personal level by engaging in conversations about their interests, aspirations, and dreams. By asking simple questions such as their favorite color, food, and subject in school, our officers can establish rapport and build trust with students in a relaxed and friendly manner.

Furthermore, our SROs will inquire about students' future plans and goals, providing an opportunity for mentorship and guidance. By showing genuine interest and support, our officers can empower students to strive for success and make positive choices in their lives.

The Meet a Student program goes beyond traditional law enforcement duties, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging within the school community. By creating opportunities for meaningful interactions, we aim to promote mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation between students and law enforcement.

Through this program, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of every student. By investing in positive relationships and open communication, we can create a supportive environment where students feel valued, heard, and empowered to reach their full potential.

During this week-long camp held over summer break, students will have the chance to explore various aspects of law enforcement and community service through engaging activities and field trips. These field trips will include visits to the dispatch center, Elkhart County Jail, and the local zoo, providing students with firsthand insight into the different facets of public safety and animal conservation.

In addition to these enriching experiences, our cadets will have the privilege of hearing from guest speakers, including other first responders and community leaders. These speakers will share their expertise, insights, and personal experiences, inspiring our students to consider careers in public service and leadership roles within their community.

The Middlebury Community Schools Police Department Cadet Camp is dedicated to fostering a sense of connection, responsibility, and civic pride among our students. By providing them with opportunities to learn, explore, and engage with their local law enforcement and community leaders, we aim to empower them to become active and responsible members of society.

Through this immersive and educational experience, we hope to instill valuable life skills, cultivate leadership qualities, and inspire a sense of service and commitment to others. Together, we can nurture the next generation of compassionate, informed, and empowered leaders who will contribute positively to our community and beyond.