Building trust and safety: School resource officers of St. Clair County

The main duty of a school resource officer is to provide a level of safety to a school district's students and staff. However, that constant presence ends up providing much more.

Whether it be monitoring break periods, checking doors or simply tying an elementary schooler's shoe, Marysville School Resource Officer TJ Williams is up to the task. Williams rotates between each school building during the day, usually starting at one of the secondary school buildings and then heading to an elementary school in the afternoon.

Although he is the only school resource officer at Marysville Public Schools, the district also employs two school campus safety security specialists, both of whom are retired law enforcement agents.

Williams said the students seem comfortable having him around. He said when he first started, older students were a little hesitant to interact with him. However, when they realized his main objective was keeping them safe, he said they became more relaxed around him.

When he's not keeping the halls of Maysville Public Schools safe, Williams can be found as the assistant coach to the Marysville JV Baseball team.

"I try to interact with the kids as much as possible and I think the best thing to help me with that has been coaching," he said.

He said going to the elementary schools is always a good time because the kids are so curious and ask a million questions. Every now and then, Williams will also go into the elementary classrooms and read to the students.

Williams is one of many school resource officers in the county.

The positive impact continues at Port Huron Area Schools. Officer Alex Allen is the school resource officer for Port Huron Northern High School. The 2023-24 school year was his first year acting in the role.

He said there was definitely an adjustment period for the students earlier in the year, but over time the students got used to him and positive relationships were built.

"A lot of students will come up to me during break periods, especially during lunch," Allen said. "I've helped students with class projects, and I answer whatever questions they have. I try to make myself approachable."

Like other school resource officers, Allen's day-to-day duties include checking doors, monitoring break periods and rotating to other school buildings when necessary. Allen also helps out during afterschool activities such as games, dances and elementary school fairs. He was also the co-advisor for Northern's Strive for a Safer Drive Club.

Port Huron Northern senior Alexis Umbreit, 18, said having a school resource officer makes her feel safer during the school day. She said she knows that if there is a problem, she can go talk to Allen rather than texting the school's hotline or going to administration.

"He greets everyone in the halls that he sees," Umbreit said. "He tries to make everyone feel safe and welcome."

Umbreit said it's not uncommon to see students talking with Allen, especially during afterschool events. She said it's nice to see these interactions because it shows the strong personal connections between Allen and students.

'It is an investment in our kids'

Across the board, the school districts within St. Clair County said that having a school resource officer has helped make their buildings safer.

Port Huron Area Schools employs the most school resource officers; with two coming from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department and three coming from the Port Huron Police Department.

"Their presence dramatically enhances our safe and secure learning environments while also fostering positive relationships between law enforcement, staff and students- essential for cultivating a culture of mutual respect," said Port Huron Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas.

Marysville Superintendent Dr. Shawn Wightman said the presence of a resource officer helps in building a bridge between law enforcement and students while promoting a positive approach to community policing.

"Their integration into our schools not only helps deter potential threats, but also supports out educational goals by contributing to a safe and conducive learning environment," Wightman said. "We believe that their presence is integral to not only safety, but also in teaching our students the importance of law and civic responsibility."

Algonac Superintendent Al Latosz said the district employs one officer through the Clay Township Police Department, and that the township and school district agreed to split the cost of 50/50.

"Algonac Community Schools is very fortunate to have great leadership at the township level that recognizes the importance of this position," Latosz said. "It is an investment in our kids. It would be tough to imagine not having this position in the district."

East China School District has one resource officer employed through the Marine City Police Department, a safety and security director and two security specialists.

"It cannot be overemphasized just how important it is to have people designated to cultivating the safety of our students," Superintendent Suzanne Cybulla said.

Capac Interim Superintendent Amy Nelson said the district has an annual contract for one resource officer with the village of Capac. She said the district has a great relationship with the officers that have served a resource officers and appreciate their presence with the schools.

Yale Public Schools Superintendent Kurt Sutton said the district employs one officer through the city of Yale. He said having an officer present to provide safety, but also build strong relationship with the students is highly beneficial.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.

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This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: St. Clair County school resource officers