HF2496

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to enhance the roles and responsibilities of school resource officers (SROs) in Minnesota schools. It seeks to establish clear guidelines for their duties, training, and the integration into school communities to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.

Main Provisions

• School Resource Officers Duties:

  • SROs are tasked with fostering positive relationships within schools, protecting from criminal activity, liaising between law enforcement and school officials, advising on safety drills, and educating on law enforcement topics.
  • SROs are prohibited from using force for school rule enforcement and can only use force to detain or arrest as a last resort, considering factors like the student's age and disability.

• Training and Standards:

  • The Peace Officer Standards and Training Board must develop training objectives for SROs, focusing on de-escalation, mental health crises, juvenile justice, and more by January 2025.
  • Supplemental training can be provided to cover any gaps in current training programs.

• School and Community Engagement:

  • Schools must engage with local communities to discuss the use of SROs, ensuring feedback from students, families, and staff.
  • Regular outreach should be conducted to evaluate the SRO's impact and gather input on safety concerns.

• Law Enforcement Agency Responsibilities:

  • Agencies hiring SROs must involve community stakeholders in the hiring process, prioritize specific skills, and ensure the officer reflects the community's diversity.
  • Annual assessments are required to ensure SRO programs meet expectations.

• Prevention and Reporting:

  • Agencies must develop measures to prevent misconduct by SROs, with mandatory policies against engaging in sexual misconduct.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill modifies existing statutes by setting detailed guidelines for the role of SROs, mandating comprehensive training, and requiring schools and law enforcement to collaborate closely with the community regarding the presence and activities of SROs. It also calls for adherence to guiding principles from the U.S. Department of Justice for SRO programs.

Relevant Terms

• School resource officer (SRO)
• Peace Officer Standards and Training Board
• De-escalation techniques
• Juvenile justice system
• Community stakeholder engagement
• Sexual misconduct prevention
• United States Department of Justice guiding principles