In March of 2021, Salida Police Officer Bri Tucker became the School Resource Officer (SRO) for the Salida Police Department. She was a little shy and hesitant at first, but said she was up for the challenge. Since that day, Officer Tucker jumped right in and has done an outstanding job.
Unlike most law enforcement officers, who typically work with a largely adult population, SROs predominately serve youth in schools. Challenges that SROs face are many, including: the need for crisis intervention training, communications skills with youth as well as school personnel, a thorough understanding of juvenile justice, and knowledge of and sensitivity to the social, emotional, and intellectual development of young people. SROs can fulfill a variety of roles: Preventing and responding to school-based crime; fostering positive relationships among law enforcement, educators, and youth; and helping to promote a positive school climate.
Officer Tucker has attended numerous classes related to juveniles including the National School Resource Officer Conference. Over the last two and a half years, Officer Tucker has evolved into a valuable asset for the Salida Police Department and Salida School District.
Recently Officer Tucker was nominated for the Regional Exceptional Service Award with other SROs from our five-state region. We are happy and proud to announce that Officer Tucker was selected as the winner from our region. She will be attending the National School Resource Officer Conference in Pheonix this summer where she will receive her award. If you see Officer Tucker around town, please congratulate her.
She genuinely enjoys her job as the SRO and has committed to remain in the position for years to come.
