Shakopee Police Department 2024 Annual Report

IN THE SCHOOLS

By Officer Michael Santos

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS In 2024, the collaboration between the Shakopee Police Department and the Shakopee School District continued to thrive through our School Resource Program. By fostering open communication, building trust with students and staff, and addressing safety concerns proactively, the School Resource Program plays a vital role in creating a secure and welcoming environment for learning. This ongoing collaboration reflects our shared commitment to the well being and success of the Shakopee school community. In the summer of 2024, we celebrated School Resource Officer (SRO) Canon Christianson’s well-deserved retirement. His dedication and service to the Shakopee community, especially his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and families, have left a lasting impact. At the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year, we were pleased to announce that Officer Mike Santos would resume Officer Christianson’s duties at Shakopee East Middle School. Officer Santos brings vast experience and a strong commitment to continuing the tradition of excellence in school safety and community engagement. During the school year, the following officers were stationed at their respective schools, with rotations into patrol duties over the summer months: ■ Officer Gary Kern was assigned to Shakopee High School ■ Officer Santos was assigned to East Middle School, Sun Path Elementary, Eagle Creek Elementary, Red Oak Elementary, and assistance to the High School as needed

■ Officer Adam Krichbaum was assigned to West Middle School, Jackson Elementary, Sweeney Elementary, Pearson Early Learning Center, SACS, and the Tokata Learning Center While SROs have a wide variety of responsibilities throughout the school day, their primary focus is on preventing criminal activities and responding to critical incidents while fostering a sense of safety and preparedness. SROs achieve this through education, proactive planning, and collaboration with key partners, including school administrators, teachers, counselors, therapists, students, and their families. By building strong, positive relationships, they help create a supportive learning atmosphere while ensuring the safety and well-being of the entire school community. Part of the SRO’s role involves engaging with students through classroom visits, where they cover a range of topics tailored to different age groups, such as drug and alcohol awareness, first aid, internet safety, bullying, local and federal laws, domestic assault, theft, and personal safety for children. Presentations are customized for various audiences, spanning from Pre-K to 12th grade, as well as parent groups like those at the Pearson Early Learning Center and PTO groups. Crucially, for an SRO to be effective, they must establish strong positive connections with students, ensuring that they and their families recognize the SRO as a trusted resource both during their time as students and beyond. In the upcoming year, Shakopee SROs are committed to continuing their support for students, staff, and families, nurturing these relationships to further strengthen our community.

From left, Officers Adam Krichbaum, Officer Mike Santos, and Officer Gary Kern are the current School Resource Officers.

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