The Ukiah Police Department recognizes the importance of building strong, positive relationships between law enforcement and youth, which is why we’ve partnered with the Ukiah Unified School District to assign a full-time School Resource Officer (SRO) to campus. This collaborative effort reflects our shared commitment to creating a safe, supportive learning environment where students feel protected and connected to the officers who serve them.

We are proud of this education-police partnership and value the opportunity to work side by side with school administrators, teachers, and support staff to proactively address issues that could threaten student safety. The presence of a dedicated SRO on campus allows us to respond quickly and effectively to concerns while also working to prevent dangerous behavior before it occurs.

The SRO position is unique in that it blends law enforcement responsibilities with relationship-building and educational outreach. Our officer works closely with students, faculty, and parents to address a wide range of issues, from conflict resolution and truancy to more serious threats to campus safety. In addition to responding to incidents, the SRO plays a vital role in prevention — providing crisis response training, assisting with campus security planning, and educating school communities on how to identify and respond to emerging threats such as gang involvement, drug use, and other high-risk behaviors.

By maintaining a visible, approachable presence on campus, the SRO fosters trust, encourages open communication, and serves as a positive role model — reinforcing our commitment to not only protect, but to guide and support the youth of our community.