(Atlantic) At Wednesday’s City Council Meeting, Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett welcomed and presented the Oath of Office to the Atlantic Police Department’s new School Resource Officer Ben Sandy.
Officer Sandy joined the department this month and will be assigned to the role of SRO. Officer Sandy has three years of law enforcement experience as a city officer and county deputy.
He is married with three children and stated he is excited to take on the role of SRO and looks forward to working with the Atlantic Community School District’s staff and students.
In June 2024, the City of Atlantic and the Atlantic Community School District agreed to collaborate and hire a School Resource Officer. Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue applied for a Department of Justice COPS grant to initiate the program. Subsequently, Police Chief Hogue announced they were one of five entities approved for the grant worth $125,000. To fulfill the grant, the SRO position must remain funded by the city and Atlantic School District for twelve months after utilizing the funding.
In October 2024, the City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Atlantic School District for a School Resource Officer program. The MOU outlines the responsibilities, expectations, accountability, and general operating structure for the SRO program and explains the cost-sharing between the two entities.
The Atlantic Community School District and the Atlantic Police Department share the priority of the School Resource Officer program. The SRO provides a point of contact for the school administration on law enforcement issues; builds working relationships with students, staff, and parents; participates in education and problem-solving; and assists the rest of the Police force and community on issues involving young people. Atlantic City Councilwoman and Personnel and Finance Committee member Elaine Otte noted minor changes to the MOU.
The school Resource Officer is not a security officer for the schools, although he or she can advise on security matters and assist in training. The School Resource Officer also supports early intervention, diversion programs, and alternatives to traditional juvenile involvement in the criminal justice system.
