In the hallways of Colorado’s Littleton, Cherry Creek, Byers, and Deer Trail schools, School Resource Officers (SROs) and their K-9 partners aren’t just keeping students safe – they’re also tending to their mental health, offering another layer of comfort and support.
But what are SROs? In short, they’re law enforcement officers who work in schools to keep your kids and their teachers protected and secure, alongside their K-9 companions who are dual-trained in bomb-sniffing, therapy, and even tracking lost students down to their last step.
Deputy Gray, a passionate advocate for the program, explains, “Our mission is to keep kids safe, support their mental health positively, and find lost students or children who have wandered off.”
The dogs, which include Rex, Riley, Otis, Bear, and Zeke, are trained to not only detect explosives, but also serve as therapy dogs, comforting students and calming special needs children when duty calls. This dual purpose – and how the program bridges the gap between law enforcement and our youth – is what makes the program so special, according to Gray.
This is subtle, but impactful. When most students see an officer on campus, it’s easy to assume that something is wrong. That an emergency is afoot. But the SRO x K-9 program shifts that paradigm, instead giving students peace of mind when they see Deputy Gray and Rex strolling around campus.
Training for these K-9 heroes begins at just eight weeks old. It lasts about a year and a half, and includes basic and advanced obedience, scent detection, and therapy dog certification. “We train them through repetition and patterning,” says Gray. “For instance, if a student is upset, the dog is conditioned to sit next to them, providing comfort.” The dogs’ ability to detect hormonal changes when a student is upset is particularly remarkable, as well as their tracking capabilities if a student goes off campus or runs away.
Deputy Gray is proud to be part of the first program in Colorado to have dual-certified dogs for both scent work and therapy. “We’re starting to see more therapy dogs working with SROs, and it’s spreading to other agencies,” he notes. There are currently five dogs servicing four school districts, with other agencies taking notice.
As we celebrate the Thankful Issue, it’s clear that these guardians with paws are making a stark difference in the lives of students, providing safety, support, and a whole lot of love. If your child is in a Littleton, Cherry Creek, Byers, or Deer Trail school, your support is key. The program hosts an annual 5K trail run and walk fundraiser, which has already taken place this year and is one of their main awareness-raising efforts. You can visit rexrun.com to learn more.