School Resource Officer (SRO)

City of Apache Junction; Apache Junction (AZ); On-site; USD 71,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Apache Junction is hiring a School Resource Officer (SRO) to support school safety and law enforcement services in Apache Junction, AZ. The position is intended to fill current and future vacancies during the six‑month eligibility period; hiring rate depends on experience.

AZPOST certification or equivalent requirement applies. Responsibilities include patrols, responding to calls, preparing reports, investigations, and collaboration with school administrators to ensure a secure

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED and AZPOST certification within 3 months of appointment.
• Experience as a police recruit or as a sworn officer within the last three years is acceptable.
• AZPOST certification must be obtained prior to appointment or within probation period.

Responsibilities

• Patrol a designated area by vehicle or on foot to deter crime and enforce laws.
• Respond to emergency and non‑emergency calls; administer first aid/CPR when needed.
• Prepare detailed incident reports and collect/preserve evidence.
• Coordinate with other officers and supervisors to execute arrests or strategies.
• Support city safety policies and work with staff to ensure compliance.

Skills

Weapons handling

Public safety

Evidence gathering

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

AZPOST certification within 3 months

Police experience (1 year)

Tools

GIS

CAD

MDT

Job description

Description

Anticipated Hiring Rate Based On Years of Experience $70,699.20 - $94,764.80

Description

Anticipated Hiring Rate Based On Years of Experience $70,699.20 - $94,764.80

This recruitment is intended to fill current and future School Resource Officer (SRO) vacancies during the life of the eligible list (six months from date of application)

Positions assigned to this class provide quality services to citizens including the protection and preservation of life and property and the maintenance of a safe environment; investigates crime and performs crime prevention work; enforce Federal, State and local laws and regulations.

Essential Duties

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the City’s needs.

• Patrol a designated area in a vehicle and/or on foot to detect and deter the commission of crimes; conduct business checks and bar checks; enforce traffic laws, other laws and ordinances; identify areas of potential crime and unsafe conditions.
• Respond to calls for service for both emergency and non-emergency situations; administer first aide and/or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and conduct area evacuations when necessary; assist other departments and agencies such as fire, animal control and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team at emergency scenes.
• Prepare detailed written incident reports; fill out forms and complete records; prepare summonses; draw sketches and diagrams.
• Coordinate activities with other officers, detectives and supervisors as necessary to make arrests or implement strategies for specific tasks.
• Secure areas considered to be crime scenes and conduct searches of various areas, people, buildings, properties and cars; identify, collect and preserve evidence using proper methods and protocol; locate witnesses and victims for interviews; arrest and interrogate suspects; conduct death notifications to next of kin.
• Conduct a variety of criminal investigations involving federal, state and local crimes; gather evidence and prepare cases for prosecution.
• Attend civil and criminal hearings to testify as a witness for the State of Arizona; responsible for the execution of court orders; serve Order of Protections and Injunctions Against Harassment; serve warrants and subpoenas.
• Provide interviews to defense attorneys, prosecutors and internal affairs investigators as needed.
• May perform various collateral duties or other special tasks depending on area of assignment and/or expertise.
• Support City policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures.

School Resource Officer Duties And Responsibilities

• School Safety: Provide a safe and secure learning environment for students, staff, and visitors through a visible law enforcement presence, proactive patrols, and emergency response.
• Relationship Building: Build positive relationships with students, school staff, parents, and the community while serving as a mentor and positive role model.
• Law Enforcement: Respond to calls for service, investigate criminal activity, enforce applicable laws, and work closely with school administrators to address safety concerns.
• Education and Prevention: Provide classroom presentations and participate in educational programs focusing on drug awareness, bullying, internet safety, and other topics affecting youth.
• Community Engagement: Participate in school activities, special events, and community outreach programs while working collaboratively with school personnel to promote a positive school environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Must possess a high school diploma or GED, and served as a Police Recruit for the City of Apache Junction immediately preceding AZPOST certification or graduated from AZPOST Academy program and received AZPOST certification within six (6) months prior to appointment; or one (1) year fulltime paid permanent experience as a police officer, deputy sheriff or equivalent in the last three (3) years and have completed agency probation period and acquire/receive AZPOST certification within three (3) months of appointment.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge

• Federal and State statutes, Law Enforcement Code of Ethics, public safety, Department policies and procedures and City personnel rules and regulations; Arizona traffic laws and City Codes.
• Current communication technology including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and wireless services.
• Law enforcement methods, practices and procedure including but not limited to case laws governing arrest, rules of evidence, probable cause, search and seizure and investigative and interrogative procedures, techniques for observation and memorization of details.

Skills

• Handling and using Police issued weapons and equipment including but not limited to Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) and specialized software, ballistic vest, Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray, firearm, safety gloves, baton, handcuffs, radio and operating various types of vehicles, determining the appropriate use of force in a situation.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under stressful and potentially hazardous situations; dealing with the public in a professional manner under adverse situations.
• Gathering and evaluating facts and evidence to draw logical conclusions.
• Following and effectively communicating instructions; working as a team with other officers, departments and agencies.

Pre-employment Requirements

Candidates who are selected for appointment may be required to be fingerprinted, if 18 or older; successfully complete a background investigation, employment verification and may be subject to a drug/alcohol test, medical, polygraph and/or psychological evaluation. Candidates who are nominated for appointment will be required to pass the Peace Officer Physical Aptitude Test (POPAT) prior to appointment. Candidates who are appointed will be required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona or meet the transportation needs of the position.

License/Certification

Certified by Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (AZPOST) or able to achieve AZPOST certification within three (3) months of appointment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Work requires walking, running, climbing, sitting and driving. Required to perform a full range of motion with lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 100 pounds and exerting force between 20 and 50 pounds. Possible exposure to potentially hazardous, uncontrollable and life-threatening situations. May be in contact with hostile or resistant individuals.

The City of Apache Junction offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and some part-time positions. For more detailed information on the benefits offered, please click here for more information.