The New London Police Department established the School Resource Officer (SRO) program to open up lines of communication between the school district and the police department to deal with a wide range of issues, including violence in schools, drug abuse, and/or any other problem for which there is mutual concern.  In addition, the SRO program serves as a source of feedback to the police department to better understand the fears and concerns of youth in order to help the department develop problem-solving efforts.

The term "School Resource Officer" or "SRO" refers to an officer who applies a community policing philosophy within a school environment.  The school is his or her permanent "beat," and the SRO pursues personal relationships within that beat.  The SRO patrols and provides a policing function.  He or she is proactive and attempts to solve problems.  The SRO is in partnership with the school community.

The SRO is a resource for the schools and is trained to fulfill three primary roles.  First and foremost, the SRO is a law enforcement officer whose main purpose is to "keep the peace" in the schools so students can learn.  Second, he or she is a law-related counselor who provides guidance and information to students, their families, and school staff along with acting as a link to support services both inside and outside the school environment.  Third, the SRO is a law-related educator who provides the schools with an additional resource by sharing his or her expertise in the classroom.

Currently there is one School Resource Officer, Max Bertsch, assigned to both New London High School and Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School.  As he divides his time between the two schools, he is best reached
via e-mail: mbertsch@ci.new-london.ct.us