SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER AGREEMENT (4)
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SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into this J~ -r:L day Of~
between the SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA (referred to herein
as the "Board"), and THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, (referred to herein as "Clearwater
P.O."), is for the services to be provided by the Clearwater P.O. for the School
Resource Officer Program ("SRO Program").
WIT N E SSE T H:
WHEREAS, the parties hereto value the collaboration and cooperation fostered by
the SRO Program and believe that all of society benefits when the safety of children is
improved, where the threat of crime and disorder is reduced, the learning environment is
improved, and the true mission of teachers becomes more achievable; and
WHEREAS, the SRO Program provides an opportunity for students and law
enforcement officers to have positive interaction with one another which enhances law
enforcement officers' service to the community, and
WHEREAS, the Board and The City of Clearwater intend to provide law
enforcement and related services to the public schools of Pinellas County as hereafter
described, and
WHEREAS, the Board and Clearwater P.O. will mutually benefit from the SRO
Program.;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
. sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. The Obligations of Clearwater P.O. and the SROs are as follows:
A. Provision of School Resource Officers. The Clearwater P.O. shall assign one
regularly employed officer at each of the following schools: Clearwater High School,
Countryside High School, Kennedy Middle School and Oak Grove Middle School.
B. Desianation and Selection of School Resource Officers. SROs have a dual
role at the schools which they serve. They shall serve as "law enforcement units" within the
meaning of 34 CFR ~ 99.8 (a)(1 )(i)-(iii), and as "school officials" having a legitimate
educational interest in information contained in student records, within the meaning of 20
U.S.C. ~1232g and F.S. ~ 1002.22 (3)(d)(2).
The Chief of Clearwater P.o., or his designee, in consultation with the Principal of
the school to which the SRO will be assigned shall select the SRO on the basis of the
following criteria.
1. The SRO must have the ability to deal effectively with students. The ages,
socioeconomic, and cultural composition of the students of the particular school should be
considered in making this evaluation.
2. The SRO must have the ability to present a positive image and symbol of
the entire police agency. A goal of the SRO Program is to foster a positive image of police
officers among young people. Therefore, the personality, grooming, and communication
skills of the SRO should be of such nature so that a positive image of the police agency is
reflected. The SRO should sincerely want to work with the staff and students at the
particular school to which he or she is assigned.
3. The SRO must have the ability to provide good quality educational
services in the area of law enforcement. The education, background, experience, interest
level and communication skills of the SRO must be of high caliber so that the SRO can
effectively and accurately provide resource teaching services. The SRO will spend as much
time as practical in classroom instruction, dependent upon time constraints and workload.
The SRO and the Principal will formulate an acceptable plan consistent with the
circumstances and the needs of the school.
4. The SRO must have the desire and ability to work cooperatively with the
Principal and his administrative staff.
5. The SRO must be a state certified Law Enforcement Officer.
C. Reaular Dutv Hours/Absences of the School Resource Officers.
1. The SRO will be assigned to his/her school on a full-time basis of eight (8)
hours on those days and during those hours that school is in session. The SRO's specific
duty hours shall be determined by the SRO supervisor in consultation with the principal, to
reflect the needs of the individual school. In each case the agency shall ensure that SROs
are present during regular school hours, and those routine duties that require an absence
from campus should be accomplished either prior to or after regular school hours. The
SRO may be temporarily reassigned only during the period of a law enforcement
emergency as such may be determined to exist, by the Chief.
2. If it is necessary for the assigned SRO to be absent from school for less
than a full day, the SRO will notify the Principal and provide instructions on how emergency
police service may be obtained in his/her absence. If it is necessary for the assigned SRO
to be absent from school for a full day or more, the Clearwater P.D. shall supply a substitute
SRO.
D. Duties of School Resource Officers. While on duty, the SRO shall perform
the following duties:
1. Speak to classes on the law, including search and seizure, criminal law,
motor vehicle law, and other topics when assigned to speak by the Principal.
2. Act as a resource person in the area of law enforcement education at the
request of the Principal.
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3. Conduct criminal investigations of violations of law on School Board
property which is initiated by the SRO or reported by school personnel per interagency
agreement. When dealing with reported minor incidents, nothing shall preclude the SRO
from diverting the offender to appropriate school-based discipline, where appropriate and
authorized by department policy and applicable law.
4. Provide school-based security and maintain the peace on School Board
property, to include in assisting with the development, implementation and evaluation of
security programs/crisis plans in their assigned school when requested.
5. Make arrests and referrals of criminal law violators.
6. Appear at State Attorney investigations, depositions, trials and sentencing.
7. Provide transportation to the Pinellas County Juvenile Assessment Center
(PJAC), Juvenile Addiction Receiving Facility (JARF), and County Jail.
8. Coordinate Emergency Medical Service (EMS) at the request of the
Principal, or his/her designee.
9. Receive and dispatch complaints via telephone, walk-in and radios.
10. Develop, implement, and evaluate security programs in the school
assigned.
11. Coordinate with school administrators, faculty and staff, law enforcement
agencies, and courts to provide school-based security to maintain the peace and promote
order on the school campuses.
12. Create and maintain all records, including security and surveillance
camera recordings made at the school site, whether recorded by video tape, digital or other
medium, (but excluding school bus recordings), witness or suspect statements, interviews
or other documents made in connection with the law enforcement duties set forth in this
Agreement. Such records shall constitute "law enforcement records" within the meaning of
34 CFR ~ 99.8(b) (I)(i)-(iii), while in the hands of the SRO or other law enforcement officer.
When such records are made available to school administration for disciplinary or other
legitimate educational purposes they shall also constitute confidential student records
subject to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. ~ 1232g; 34 CFR Part
99, and ~1002.22, F.S. The SRO shall comply with all laws and policies applicable to such
records in both their law enforcement and student record capacities. With respect to school
bus recordings, which are under the control of the Pinellas County Schools Police, the SRO
shall contact Pinellas County Schools Police to coordinate all issues necessary to access,
view, take possession of or otherwise use the school bus recording.
13. Maintain a file on property reported lost and/or stolen at the SRO's
school.
14. Provide counseling or referrals to students as needed.
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15. Secure, handle and preserve evidence.
16. Recover School Board property through working with other police
agencies.
17. Make referrals to social agencies.
18. Relay messages in emergency situations (such as, tornadoes,
hurricanes, etc.)
19. Provide special truancy investigations and prepare for prosecution.
20. Coordinate investigation of bus stop incidents.
21. Wear the official police uniform which shall be provided at the expense of
the law enforcement agency; however, civilian attire may be worn on such occasions as
may be mutually agreed upon by the Principal and the SRO supervisor.
22. Perform such other duties as mutually agreed upon by the Principal and
the SRO, so long as the performance of such duties are legitimately and reasonably related
to the SRO Program as described in this Agreement, and so long as the duties are
consistent with State and Federal law and the policies and procedures of the Clearwater
P.O.
23. Follow and conform to the School Board Policy Manual, which is
available at each school site and F.S. 91006.12, that does not conflict with the policies and
procedures of the Clearwater P.O. The parties to this agreement shall abide by all Federal
and State Civil Rights legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its' subsequent
amendments.
24. Provide a Monthly Activities Report or such other report regarding his/her
activities, as may be required by the Superintendent or designee. A copy of the report shall
be provided to the principal on a monthly basis.
25. SROs are recognized as an active part of the school's administrative
team. Their duties as a team member reflect their agency's directions and lend their
expertise to the review of activities, duty assignments, scheduling and identification of
potential problems.
26. The Clearwater Police Department will provide an opportunity for
Principals to provide input on the SRO's performance.
E. Support Services to be Provided bv Clearwater P.O. The Clearwater P.O.
shall supply the following support services for SROs:
1. Maintain and file Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) records according to
law.
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2. Maintain a dispatch log, consistent with accepted law enforcement
management practices.
3. Provide copies of all reports taken by the School Resource Officer to the
Pinellas County Schools Police, upon request, as the law allows.
4. Provide each SRO with a patrol automobile and all other necessary or
appropriate police equipment. The cost of purchasing, maintaining, and repairing police
equipment provided under this agreement shall be borne by the Clearwater P.O.
5. Maintain copies of reports generated by officers in compliance with State
and Federal laws.
6. Maintain fingerprints and photographs of arrestees in compliance with
State and Federal laws.
ARTICLE II. Relationship of SROs to Board and Clearwater p.o.
The SRO shall be an employee of the Clearwater P.O. and not an employee of the
Board. The Clearwater P.O. shall be responsible for the hiring, training, discipline, and
dismissal of its personnel. Board employees shall report allegations of improper conduct to
the SRO's immediate supervisor or to the department's internal affairs section. Board
employees shall not conduct an internal investigation of alleged improper conduct on the
part of the SRO.
ARTICLE III. Charqes for SRO Services.
In consideration of the services provided herein, the Board shall pay to the City of
Clearwater the sum of $49,011.50 (Forty Nine Thousand Eleven Dollars and Fifty Cents) for
each SRO for the 2007-2008 contractual term.
To the extent that security services are provided by Clearwater P.O. at school
functions occurring after regular school hours, Clearwater P.O. shall be paid in
accordance with the Clearwater P.O. salary policy and procedures. The school at which
such services are provided, shall be billed for such services within thirty (30) days from
the date of service, and any services provided during May shall be submitted no later
than the 15th of June.
ARTICLE IV. Problem Resolution.
The parties, their agents and employees will cooperate in good faith in fulfilling the
terms of this Agreement. Unforeseen difficulties or questions will be resolved by negotiation
between the Superintendent, the Board and the Chief, or their designees.
ARTICLE V. Amendments.
Changes in the terms of this Agreement may be accomplished only by formal
amendment in writing approved by the Clearwater p.o. and the Board.
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ARTICLE VI. Transfer of SROs.
Both the School Board and Clearwater P.O. desire to avoid the transfer of an SRO at
the request of a principal. Therefore, except in egregious circumstances when the SRO's
behavior warrants immediate removal, the following procedures must be followed:
A. Principals should engage in good personnel management practices to include
discussing any issues or concerns with the SRO first, followed by consultation with the
SRO's supervisor if necessary.
B. If, after sufficient time has been given for the SRO to modify his/her
performance, and concerns still exist, then the Principal will recommend to the Area
Superintendent that the SRO be transferred from the school, stating the reasons for the
recommendation in writing.
C. Within a reasonable period of time after receiving the recommendation to
remove an SRO, the Area Superintendent, or designee, will confer with the Chief, or
designee, to attempt to resolve any problem that may exist between the SRO and the staff
at his/her assigned school.
1. With the agreement of the Superintendent and the Chief, or their
designees, the SRO, or specified members of the staff from the school, may be required to
be present at that meeting.
2. If, within a reasonable amount of time, the problem cannot be resolved in
the opinion of both the Superintendent and Chief, or their designees, thenJhe SRO will be
transferred from the school and a replacement will be selected, as provided elsewhere in
this Agreement.
This Article does not provide the SRO any rights separate and apart from those
found in Clearwater P.o.'s collective bargaining agreement with its union. Only the
Clearwater P.O., and not individual SROs, can seek enforcement of the provisions of this
Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude the Clearwater p.o. from unilaterally transferring
the SRO at its sole discretion.
ARTICLE VII. Term of Aqreement.
The term of this Agreement shall be for 1 year beginning on July 1, 2007 through
June 30, 2008.
ARTICLE VIII. Materials and Facilities Supplied bv Board.
The Board shall provide the SRO, in each school to which an SRO is assigned, the
following materials and facilities necessary to the performance of duties by the SRO:
A. Access to a private office which is air conditioned and properly lighted, with a
telephone, to be used for general business purposes. Whenever practicable, the SRO will
be provided with a private office. Upon request, SROs will be provided free access to the
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Board's computer network to the extent that it is economically practicable. Clearwater P.O.
will provide the computer hardware to be utilized by the SRO, although each individual
school may provide such hardware in its sole discretion. If access is provided, existing
school security procedures must be followed, to include secure network access for both the
computer and user. Network use must conform to school board policy 7.33, Electronic
Resource Usage.
B. A location for files and records which can be properly locked and secured.
C. A desk with drawers, a chair, work table, filing cabinet, and office supplies
(e.g. paper, pencil, pens, etc.).
D. Access to a typewriter and/or secretarial assistance.
E. The SRO will be issued keys for complete access on the campus to which
he/she is assigned in accordance with the school safety plan. In the event these keys are
lost misplaced, or stolen through negligence, the cost of any re-keying of the facility shall be
borne equally by the law enforcement agency and the Board.
ARTICLE IX. Termination.
This Agreement may be terminated by either party for cause upon seven (7) days
written notice that the other party failed substantially to perform in accordance with the
terms and conditions of this Agreement through no fault of the party initiating termination.
This Agreement may be terminated without cause by either party upon thirty (30) days
written notice.
ARTICLE X. Defense of Leqal Actions.
A. Subject to the limitations contained in F.S.S111.07, the Clearwater P.O. shall
defend any lawsuit filed against the Clearwater P.O. or the SRO which arises out of services
performed by the Clearwater P.O. Clearwater P.O. procedures shall be followed in handling
such suits. The Clearwater P.O. shall pay any judgment rendered against it according to
law. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to waive the provisions of F.S.S. 768.28
as the same applies to both the Clearwater P.O. and the Board.
B. The Board shall defend any lawsuit filed against the Board which arises out of
services performed by the Board. Board procedures shall be followed in handling such
suits. The Board shall pay any judgment rendered against it according to law. Nothing
contained herein shall be construed to waive the provisions of F.S.S 768.28 as the same
applies to both the Board and the Clearwater P.O.
ARTICLE XI. Miscellaneous.
A. Assiqnment. This Agreement may not be assigned without the written
consent of the Clearwater p.o. and the Board.
B. Severability. Should any section or part of any section of this Agreement be
rendered void, invalid, or unenforceable by any court of law, for any reason, such a
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determination shall not render void, invalid, or unenforceable any other section or any part
of any section of this contract.
C. Notification. All notices, requests, demands, or other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been served as of the delivery
date appearing upon the return receipt if sent by certified mail, postage prepaid with return
receipt requested, at the address listed below, or upon the actual date of delivery, if hand
delivered to the address below. Either party may change the below-listed address at which
it receives written notices by so notifying the other
party hereto in writing.
Clearwater P.O. to:
Chief of Police, Clearwater P.O.
645 Pierce S1.
Clearwater, FL 33756
Copy to:
City Attorney, City of Clearwater
112 S. Osceola Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756
Board to:
Chief of Police
Pinellas County Schools Police
11111 S. Belcher Rd.
Largo, FL 33773
Copy to:
School Board Attorney
Pinellas County School Board
301 4th S1. SW
Largo, FL 33770
D. Waiver. No act or omission or commission of either party, including without
limitation, any failure to exercise any right, remedy, or recourse, shall be deemed to be a
waiver, release, or modification of the same. Such a waiver, release, or modification is to be
effected only through a written modification to this Agreement.
E. Governina Law and Venue. This Agreement is to be construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Florida. Venue for any cause of action or claim asserted by
either party hereto brought in state courts shall be in Pinellas County, Florida. Venue for any
action brought in Federal court shall be in the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division,
unless a division shall be created in Clearwater or Pinellas County, in which case action
shall be brought in that division.
F. Headinas. The paragraph headings are inserted herein for convenience and
reference only, and in no way define, limit, or otherwise describe the scope or intent of any
provisions hereof.
G. Due Authoritv. Each party to this Amendment represents and warrants to the
other party that (I) they are duly organized, qualified and existing entities under the laws of
the State of Florida, and (ii) all appropriate authority exists so as to duly authorize the
persons executing this Amendment to so execute the same and fully bind the parties on
whose behalf they are executing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives on the date first above written.
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'", ~.
THE SCHOOL BOARD OF PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: LfI/ II1f tI~
Print: IflU~ ~. -r: 'B1"~n
hairman '
Attest:JL"t~J.tP'j ,
Print: C llL~f-o ~ I'lL u) I \U "-
x-Officio Secretary
Approved as to form:
NOV 1 6 2007
Print:
...
~~
~ o-~ fr-.'Tlo ~ 'I~,,>o.n
School Board Attorney
Sign:
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
Countersigned:
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORI DA
~x ~By:~::q:
'f:rank V. Hibbard William B. Horne II
Mayor-Commissioner City Manager
Approved as to form:
Attest:
.
thia E. Goudeau
Clerk
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