The Sheriff's Office has three School Resource Officers
working within the schools of Cupertino and Saratoga. Deputies Robert Gallardo
and Deputy Janet Shannon work with the schools in Cupertino. Deputy Ron
Bruess works with the schools in Saratoga.
The responsibilities a School Resource Officer has are
many and varied. The School Resource Officer is simply that. A RESOURCE
available to the students, schools, parents and the community. They are
a problem solving resource serving in a non-traditional law enforcement
mode.
The School Resource Officers promote an atmosphere of
safety for students and faculty members through the education of criminal
and traffic laws. For example, they provide instruction for classes concerning
the criminal justice system or related topics .
Two programs that have evolved out of this program are
The Youth
Court and the
Teen
Academy.
The School Resource Officers provide a resource for automobile
driver safety classes. They provide a resource for school counselors. They
attend faculty staff development meeting, PTA meeting and parent-teacher
nights.
They try to maintain open communications by developing
a working relationship with school substance abuse counselors, the guidance
department and the administration. They serve as an informational source
for students involved in the criminal justice system and prevention of
those who are at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
To contact the School Resource Officers click on the link
below and start your message by addressing it to the School Resource Officer
you wish to receive your message. They may also be contacted through your
individual school or at the West Valley Station, 408-867-9715.