SROs Show Up for Students

SROs like Deputy Stroupe have packed lunches at BCS schools, coordinated traffic for buses, and joined Child Nutrition and support staff at meal sites scattered across the district. They’re part of a community support structure that is helping families weather the COVID-19 crisis.

By Tim Reaves
BCS Communications Department

As the yellow bus arrived at an apartment complex near Oakley Elementary on Friday, School Resource Officer (SRO) Alana Stroupe rolled up in her cruiser with a couple of “whoops” from the loudspeaker.

“‘Food’s here; come and get it!’” Her voice echoed off the buildings. Children started walking or biking toward the community center where the bus waited with nutritious meals for the whole weekend. Dep. Stroupe greeted the excited youngsters with a big smile and handed out “police badge” stickers along with the meals.

SROs like Deputy Stroupe have packed lunches at BCS schools, coordinated traffic for buses, and joined Child Nutrition and support staff at meal sites scattered across the district. They’re part of a community support structure that is helping families weather the COVID-19 crisis.

“We want to still be out here and be with the kids even though they’re not in the school building,” Dep. Stroupe said. “We’re talking with them, asking them how they’re doing with their schoolwork, and making sure they’re eating. And maybe a silver lining of all this is that now I get to meet their families too.”

It’s a continuation of the School Resource Officer mission, said SRO Supervisor Lt. Kelly Ball.

“One of the more important things we do in the school is build individual relationships with the kids so they know we’re here to help them in difficult times like this or in everyday life,” she said. “So we’re making sure they get to see familiar faces while they’re away from school. We want them to know we truly do care about them.”

“We protect, but we also nurture,” Dep. Stroupe added. “We’re teachers, we’re counselors, we fill so many different roles.”

Dep. Stroupe has been an SRO at A.C. Reynolds High School for three years after working at A.C. Reynolds Middle School for one year and other divisions for a couple years before that.

“I was very excited to join this division, because everyone who does it loves it,” she said. “I love it too. I love the kids, and I can’t imagine doing anything else in the Sheriff’s Office. I know that this is meant for me, and this is where I’m supposed to be.”

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