The Hermantown Police Department, in cooperation with the Hermantown School District, provides funding for the position of a School Resource Officer. The program provides for one non-uniformed officer in the school setting during the year. The program primarily serves the high school; however, services are extended to the middle school, elementary school, and the Early Childhood Center as needed.
Officer Kody Vedder is currently assigned as our School Resource Officer and was selected based on her law enforcement experience and desire to work with our youth. The program continues to be well received by students, parents, and faculty.
Duties of the School Resource Officer are as follows:
- Conduct preliminary investigations, complete initial reports, and process assigned cases:
- Interview complainants, witnesses, victims, involved parties, and take statements when necessary.
- Prepare and serve search warrants.
- Present completed cases for prosecution or diversion in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the St. Louis County Attorney and the Police Department.
- Work with the School District, Juvenile Court, St. Louis County Attorney’s Office, St. Louis County Probation Department, St. Louis County Social Services, detention and shelter facilities.
- Serve as a resource to staff, administration, parents, and students regarding police and juvenile procedures.
- Take enforcement action when necessary.
- Coordinate with school administration for prevention and educational awareness subjects taught in the classroom.
- Teach elementary D.A.R.E. program to sixth grade students.
- Respond to teacher requests to speak in classes on appropriate subjects.
- Serve as a deterrent to recidivism by establishing a close association in the school and community with youth who have committed delinquent acts.
- Attend after school activities such as school dances, sporting events, etc.
Hermantown School Web Site Link:
http://www.hermantown.k12.mn.us/
DARE:
The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program continues to be a success supported by students, parents, faculty and the community. The elementary program teaches sixth grade students positive techniques that enable them to avoid future drug, alcohol and tobacco use. A pilot middle school program was taught during the 2006-2007 school year to 10 seventh and eighth grade students. This program reinforces and brings current the lessons of the elementary program.
Both 10-week programs are presented by a uniformed police officer in a classroom setting. The programs are designed to give these students the skills and information they need to make good life choices. These programs also help develop a posi tive relationship between students and police officers.
Hermantown Officer Kody Vedder is trained in both elementary and middle school D.A.R.E. curriculum. Officer Vedder is also trained in giving community and student presentations on methamphetamine and internet safety. She teaches all of these programs as part of her assignment as the School Resource/Liaison Officer.
Officer Vedder’s duties also include enhancing community support for the D.A.R.E. program in terms of money and items donated by local business and individuals. Upon completion of the D.A.R.E. program, a graduation ceremony is held at the school with parents, relatives, family, and friends in attendance. One student is selected from each class to present their written essay to the audience on what the D.A.R.E. program means to them. Also during the ceremony, a drawing is held to award donated items to the students for a job well done.
Funding for the program is a cooperative effort between the City of Hermantown and the Hermantown School District. A portion of the funding is generated by the School District through state legislation authorizing a special levy to be used for drug prevention and education programs.
