School Resource Officers

The School Resource Officer Program is a vital entity of the Burlington Police Department. The SROs are certified law enforcement officers who are permanently assigned to the schools. School Resource Officers (SROs) are assigned in the elementary, middle, and high schools as well as the Career and Technical Education Center in the corporate limits of Burlington. For more information, contact Sgt. Jennifer Matherly. They act as a comprehensive resource to the school; they are specifically trained to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer, law-related counselor, and law-related teacher. SRO’s encourage students to take an active part in keeping their schools safe.  The Campus Crimestoppers Program is designed to offer students a tool, enabling them to report crimes and remain anonymous. Most School Resource Officers also participate in the D.A.R.E. program.

D.A.R.E.

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids make safe and responsible choices. D.A.R.E. Burlington Inc. is comprised of a group of community volunteers who serve on its boards. Board volunteers come from various backgrounds, such as business owners, community leaders, parents, school administrators, and current D.A.R.E. officers. The purpose of our D.A.R.E. Board is to advise and support the D.A.R.E. officers of the Burlington Police Department in their daily duties of promoting anti-drug use and violence prevention. The Burlington Police Department is very proud to offer a two-tier curriculum known as Keepin' It REAL in twelve of our city schools, both public and non-public. This D.A.R.E. curriculum is taught in both elementary and middle schools; the grade levels targeted are fifth grade and seventh grade. There are twelve local schools that participate: The Burlington School, Burlington Christian Academy, Blessed Sacrament, Newlin Elementary, Eastlawn, Andrews, Hillcrest, Highland, Grove Park, Smith, Broadview, and Turrentine. For more information, contact Officer Mike Paschal.

Basketball Tournament and DARE Days:

Every year the D.A.R.E. program hosts a basketball tournament as a fundraiser. Tickets are $5 each night and all proceeds go to the school's athletic program. These kids are excellent players and every game is exciting! The two championship games will be broadcast on WBAG 1150AM. 

Each May all fifth-grade students who have completed the program are treated to a fun-filled day at City Park. This event is known as D.A.R.E. Days in the Park. Volunteers, sworn officers, as well as civilian personnel, come together in conjunction with the Recreation and Parks Department to put on this well-received event.

FUNDRAISING EFFORTS:

As part of our fundraising efforts, D.A.R.E. conducts an annual golf tournament to help provide classroom materials, graduations, promotional items, and equipment for its officers. In addition, D.A.R.E. Burlington sponsors various school events throughout the school year. One of our most popular events is the annual D.A.R.E. Middle School Basketball Classic which takes place each February and has been a staple in the community for well over twenty years. Other events include school dances, the annual Carousel Festival, and many community events.

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