School administrators and SROs strive to provide an educational environment centered around student learning and safety. In their dual roles, SROs serve school districts and the greater community. SROs have the challenge of balancing competing interests because they may be called to serve in a law enforcement or SRO capacity during the school day. As a SRO, their focus is also on providing redirection and guidance, and engaging in educational and relationship building activities.

DOJ and DPI strongly suggest that school staff (such as administrators, teachers, and pupil service staff) and SROs should receive high quality training opportunities to increase their level of competency. To the extent possible, collaborative training is encouraged and efforts should be made to ensure training is a supplement to any training that the SROs regularly take part in.