West Fargo Police Department School Resource Officer Program recognized as 'Model Agency'

The West Fargo Police Department was recently recognized as a Model School Resource Officer (SRO) Agency by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). The West Fargo Police Department and West Fargo Public Schools began the partnership of providing safer schools for all students in 2005 with one SRO. The program has evolved to currently include seven SROs and is managed on a day-to-day basis by Sergeant Derek Cruff.

The process to become a NASRO model agency began in 2019. From that time forward the SRO team worked diligently to reach their goal of national accreditation. This process involved building a historical document with a complete history and modern-day information about the SRO program.

“This award is a true testament to the commitment our SROs have to the students and partners in the schools,” said Denis Otterness, West Fargo Police Department Chief. “This award would not be possible without that continued relationship between the police and the schools, and support of the community, with one common goal – to do what is best for the students in the district.”

As stated in the letter from NASRO, “Although we had many worthy nominations, your agency’s program stands out as a shining example of a school resource officer program. This unit serves as a model agency through application of the triad concept of school-based policing, and fulfills NASRO’s mission of creating safer schools and safer students through innovative and resourceful service and strategies.”

The award ceremony originally scheduled for this summer at the national conference was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. The West Fargo Police Department will be recognized at the 2021 National Conference.