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Fairfax County marked National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day on Feb. 15 by recognizing 51 officers assigned to high, secondary and middle schools throughout the county’s public school system.
The Fairfax County Police Department said the program helps protect schools while strengthening connections among law enforcement, students, families and staff.
Established in 2022 by the National Association of School Resource Officers, the appreciation day also highlights duties that extend beyond campus security. School resource officers often mentor students, solve problems and serve as coaches or club advisers.
Many officers pursue the assignment because it offers daily opportunities to build positive relationships with young people. The department said that regular contact can help officers become trusted adults whom students feel comfortable approaching.
Officers selected for the program receive specialized instruction in mental health, crisis intervention and disability awareness. In partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools, they also study restorative justice, implicit bias and cultural competency.
The officers additionally train with SWAT teams on responses to active violence, helping improve coordination during critical incidents.