According to the US Department of Justice, an MOU can do a variety of things. On a basic level, it can serve the function of a “business agreement” clarifying the financial arrangement between a school district and law enforcement agency—in other words, who is covering the expenses for the SRO program. But a good MOU will go further than just the business agreement. It should outline and articulate the many best practices that SRO programs need to incorporate, including language about defining roles, selecting, and training officers, engaging with the community, and more.
MOUs are not one-size-fits-all; they are agreements that should emerge from a collaborative process that includes stakeholders from education, law enforcement, and the wider community. This process can establish a common vision that meets the needs, goals, objectives, and safety challenges of the school and its community. It may even reference standard operating procedures (SOP) for the law enforcement agency working in the schools. In addition, MOUs should allow for adaptation to the evolving needs and goals of the community.
Take advantage of this free, on-demand webinar from the REMS TA Center to help your school or district develop your Memorandum of Understanding with your local law enforcement agency.
This course has been developed to help you understand memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and how they can help strengthen school emergency operations plans. Learn about basic components of MOUs; types of community partners that schools may want to consider developing an MOU with; strategies for creating MOUs in the school and school district setting; and how MOUs can enhance collaboration and coordination to support school emergency preparedness. This course is recommended for members of core planning teams, as well as school, school district, and community partner personnel with a role and/or responsibility in school safety, security, emergency management, and preparedness.
-REMS TA Center
A certificate is available to print upon completion of this hourlong course.
