Officer Jim Barth
School Resource Officer
The School Resource Officer has three main functions: law enforcement officer, teacher, and advisor. First, as a law enforcement officer, the S.R.0 maintains a safe and secure school environment in which students feel safe to learn and teachers feel safe to teach. Second, as a teacher, the S.R.O. may conduct classroom presentations pertaining to law related topics and in doing so, informs students and promotes positive attitudes regarding the police role in society. Last, the S.R.O. acts as an advisor to students, parents, teachers, and staff on issues related to the law enforcement, substance abuse, delinquency, and other law related topics. The S.R.O. may talk with the students, parents, teachers, and staff about their problems and help them find possible solutions. When necessary, the S.R.O. may make referrals to appropriate social agencies for additional assistance.
The most effective way an S.R.O. can accomplish these goals is to be a positive role model. Students learn from every interaction they have with an S.R.O. It is essential for an S.R.0 to be a positive role model who endorses, good judgment and discretion, is consistent and fair, respects all students and displays a sincere concern for the school community. School Resource Officer must maintain a professional appearance; be visible, accessible and willing to talk to students; attend and participate in school activities; interact positively with students and the community, taking their concerns seriously; and maintain a positive relationship with the faculty and administrators.
Officer Jim Barth has been assigned to the School Resource Officer position and is responsible for all of the schools located in the Town of Grafton. One of the SRO's main responsibilities is the enhance the communication between the Grafton Police Department and the Grafton School Department.
The School Resource Officer's responsibilities include:
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Lead or assist in investigating all crimes that occur in school or at school sponsored events.
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Assist schools in filing complaints with the Department of Social Services and Juvenile Court.
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Identify and remove non-resident students.
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Counsel and mentor students.
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Attend monthly District Attorney's round table discussions.
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Attend Guidance meetings when requested.
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Attend safety meetings and assist schools in practicing safety protocols.
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Attend school sponsored events and assist with crowd control.
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Maintain building safety.
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Assist administrators when called upon.
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Investigate bus complaints. ie: speeding buses, cars passing buses.
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Classroom presentatins.
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Attend field trips when possible.
The SRO also assists in establishing safety plans for the entire school district. Some of the safety plans established include:
The SRO also provides vital information to the staff and students regarding matters such as: alcohol and drug abuse prevention and personal safety. The SRO is frequently a guest speaker at a variety of student assemblies held in the schools.
Officer Barth is available for conferences with students, parents, and faculty members to offer assistance and advice on problems related to law enforcement and crime prevention.
Please contact Officer Barth if you have any concerns or questions. He can be reached at the Grafton Police Department, 508-839-8518 ext. 235 or by email at Barth@graftonpolice.com