That the City Council approve and authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement between the City of La Habra (City) and the La Habra City School District (District) to participate in the School Resource Officer (SRO) program at Washington Middle School and Imperial Middle School for School Year 2025-2026.

The District contracts annually with the City for participation in the SRO Program at its middle schools, with Imperial Middle School and Washington Middle School currently sharing one SRO. The SRO program was implemented in 1992, beginning with a gang violence suppression grant awarded to the City through the Office of Criminal Justice Planning. SROs at middle school campuses have been a highly successful and effective method of creating a safe school environment for students, faculty, and administrative staff.

SROs are involved in various activities that promote public safety on and around school campuses, including working with educators to resolve campus incidents, providing supervision at afternoon activities, visiting classrooms, and ensuring that unauthorized persons are kept off school grounds. SROs play a crucial role in creating safe and supportive learning environments by serving as trusted figures who bridge the gap between law enforcement and education. Beyond maintaining physical safety, SROs foster positive relationships with students, provide access to mentors, and offer early intervention for at-risk youths. Their presence can deter violence, de-escalate conflicts, and ensure a swift, coordinated response to emergencies. SROs help schools not only prevent crime but also support student well-being and success.

The District has agreed to pay the City of La Habra a sum not to exceed $195,392 to cover salary and benefits costs for one police officer assigned to District schools as an SRO.