Prior to the 1950's the concept of a "School Resource Officer" was not widely heard of. Most educational interaction between the schools and local law enforcement was done on an informal basis and by request. Such topics as bicycle safety, child molesters, traffic safety was common.

In the late 1950's, the first SRO program was started in Flint, Michigan. Its overall goal was to improve the relationship between the local police and youth. Officers were placed in schools on a full time basis for the first time ever. They served as teachers and counselors. A survey given at that time allowed for a look at the attitudes youth had about law enforcement.

The program was determined to be a huge success and Flint Michigan became a role model for future school resouce officer programs across the country. Positive evaluations have kept the program in place for over 40 years.

In January of 1973 the National Advisory Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Goals, convened in Washington DC to formulate goals for crime reduction and prevention. The Commission recommended that every agency over 400 employees should assign a full time officer to each junior and high school to teach classes, counsel students, be a resource and enforce the law. This was the first opportunity that the school resource officer prgram received national recognition.

The National Association of School Resource Officers has adopted the "Triad" approach for law enforcement programs. This program outlines the role of the school resource officer as that of a teacher, counselor, and law enforcement officer. They're frequently asked to assist with other issues such as suicide intervention, drugs, gangs, family crisis situations, and school related matters to name a few. In many cases the School Resource Officer is more than just a cop in a school. They become the friends of students, faculty, and parents. They're asked many times to help in situations that typically would be considered outside the realm of police work.

The St. Charles Police Department has gone far beyond the national recommendation. A police department of approximately 100 commissioned police officers, this department has dedicated four officers to the position of School Resource officer.