MEMORANDUM
�• • � ,,.,...,.,..,._., .. ,
DATE:
TO:
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
May 21, 2024
Justin Hess, City Manager
Michael Albanese, Chief of Police
BY: Viviana Garzon, Police Administra r)��
�
FROM:
SUBJECT: Budget Discussion Paper - School Resource Officer Program
BACKGROUND
At the May 7, 2024, City Council meeting, Council Member Mullins requested a budget discussion paper on the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. The SRO program is a collaborative effort between the City of Burbank and the Burbank Unified School District (BUSD), with the goal of reducing crime, fostering a safe school environment, and promoting positive interactions between youth and law enforcement.
DISCUSSION
Established in 1981, at its peak, the SRO program was staffed with six SROs assigned across BUSD schools. Over the years, due to budgetary constraints, four SRO positions were eliminated from the program. Currently, the Burbank Police Department (Department) has two full-time Police Officer positions for the SRO program approved in its annual budget. Since May 2021, at the request of the BUSD, only one SRO has been assigned to the program.
The SRO provides support to the students and faculty of 25 public and private schools in Burbank, serving over 15,000 students. The program was designed for SROs to perform a variety of safety, security, and educational functions within the schools, including responding to high-risk or criminal activity, maintaining relationships with students and school staff, investigating Suspected Child Abuse Reports (SCAR), conducting student wellness checks, and serving as a resource for delinquency prevention.
The SRO provides a consistent presence within schools and actively engages with staff, students, and participates in school events and activities. One of the most important 1