The Novato Police Department’s School Resource Officer (SRO) positions are an integral part of building trust and relationships with our students, parents and community. The SRO position is funded for two officers.

The Department entered into a new MOU with NUSD in February of 2022 which identified common goals, some of which included fostering educational programs and activities that will increase students’ knowledge of and respect for the law and the function of law enforcement agencies; encourage the SRO to attend extra-curricular activities held at schools and to act swiftly and cooperatively when responding to major disruptions and flagrant criminal offenses at schools such as: Disorderly conduct by trespassers, the possession and use of deadly weapons on campus, the illegal sales and/or distribution of controlled substances, and unrest.

Our SRO work has continued to focus on collaboration with NUSD staff using the principles of restorative practices, to connect youth with services, and provide an opportunity for youth to learn from mistakes rather than be penalized for them.

The SRO’s are a consistent face of the Department on campus and have an opportunity to build relationships with the students to break down the barriers between law enforcement and our community. As a liaison, the SRO’s are the first to have insight into juvenile group dynamics and trends that flow over to criminal activity off school campus, thus creating a further resource to our community, youth and staff.

 Shared goals and objectives of the School Resource Officer Program include:

• To ensure the safe and secure learning environment for all Novato Unified students and staff.
• To foster educational programs and activities that will increase students’ knowledge of and respect for the law and to develop a better understanding of the function of law enforcement agencies in society.
• To encourage improved relationships between students and the SRO by developing opportunities for interactions at extra-curricular activities held at schools, such as athletic events and concerts, as will as other district-wide activities.
• To act swiftly and cooperatively when responding to major disruptions and flagrant criminal offenses at schools such as: Incidents involving weapons or violence on campus, disorderly conduct by trespassers, sales and/or distribution of controlled substances, and unrest.
• To report serious crimes that occur on campus and to cooperate with law enforcement officials in their investigation of crimes that occur at schools, immediately before or after school or crimes that have a strong nexus to the school community.
• To cooperate with law enforcement officials in their investigations of criminal offenses which occur off campus.
• To educate and inform students on the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and controlled substances through prevention and early intervention programs for NUSD students.

The City of Novato and the Novato Unified School District are committed to the safety of all students and staff. The SRO, staff and faculty aim to continue to build lasting relationships with all on campus, particularly the students.

Meet Your School Resource Officers!   

Laura Houser                                                                   Jonathan Antimo

School Resource Officer                                               School Resource Officer

Contact a School Resource Officer at SRO@novato.org