Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is bringing back 32 School Resource Officers (SROs), marking the second year of the reinstated program under Wisconsin Act 12, the bipartisan law that requires SROs in certain schools.
These officers will be placed in 12 MPS high schools, with a focus on safety, mentorship, and relationship‑building.
All the SROs are MPS graduates, familiar with the MPS culture and student experience. The officers also know the neighborhoods, and students they’re serving.
The relationship between MPS and School Resource Officers is a signal that the district is acknowledging that the environment is no longer the same and SRO’s are a resource not a hindrance.
For years, MPS operated under a philosophy that removing police from schools would create a more “restorative,” less punitive environment.
But Milwaukee’s reality with rising youth violence, weapons incidents, chaotic hallways, and unsafe bus stops needed to be addressed.
Participating officers undergo specialized adolescent training through the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) focused on relationship building and de-escalation.
Among other things, they act as mentors, highlighting students with good attendance, strong grades, and positive behavior.
SRO’s also attend extracurricular events such as sports games, activities, and after‑school programs to maintain visibility and connection.
The relationship between MPS and SRO’s is clear. Schools handle rules, discipline, and consequences. SROs handle law enforcement, safety, and crisis response.
Lieutenant Dorian Ratliff, who supervises the SRO program, emphasized the importance of consistent presence, visibility, and knowing students by name, creating relationships that students “can communicate with and ultimately trust.”
MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius praised the program’s first year. “The very first year that we had our SROs, it was really quite beautiful, in that all of them were MPS graduates, and so they come with the knowledge of our schools and determined to build relationships with our students and keep them safe.”
MPS says the program has been successful and provided much needed support, even though some students and community members initially had concerns.
MPS and the Milwaukee Police Department continually coordinate together to ensure the SRO program runs smoothly and successfully.
We need every tool available to keep kids safe. Safety Resource Officers are a very powerful tool. SROs bring a visible, trained authority figure whose presence alone changes behavior.
SROs help create consistency and help school staff put their emphasis back on learning and instruction.
