The August Department of Public Safety (ADPS), in cooperation with Unified School District #402 (Augusta),
was awarded a grant in 1999 to create a position for a dedicated officer to be placed within
the Augusta Senior High School. The officer, referred to as a School Resource Officer or
"SRO," is a full-time commissioned officer whose primary assignment and responsibility falls
within a school.
The concept of School Resource Officers became prevalent in the United States in the 1960's.
The program has actually been in place since the 1950's when officers would go into schools
and give programs such as bicycle safety. In the 1960's, departments such as Tucson, Arizona
started implementing full-time SRO's in their schools. The concept gained attention from the
Government and funding was allocated to allow for grant positions to begin SRO programs in
schools.
When Augusta was awarded the grant, officers were asked to submit letters of interest for the
position. As a result, Officer Andy Hall was chosen for the position and was placed in the
Augusta High School as the SRO. Officer Hall began his SRO duties in August of 1999 and served in that capacity through January of 2008. In 2008, Officer Bob Brautman took over as the Augusta High School SRO and is currently serving in the position.
SRO Brautman spends his days in the school bonding with students, resolving problems, and
addressing safety concerns within the schools of Augusta. Officer Brautman also is privileged to be one of only six D.A.R.E. mentors in the State of Kansas. The title of mentor not only allows Officer Brautman to teach D.A.R.E. to children, but also gives Officer Brautman the necessary tools to teach other D.A.R.E. instructors. The mentorship program consists of a rigorous curriculum including more than 200 hours of instruction to both children and other officers. Officer Brautman also currently serves on the Kansas D.A.R.E. Association's board of directors as Vice-President. As Vice-President, Officer Brautman is involved in coordinating and developing training for D.A.R.E. instructors across the State of Kansas.
In addition, SRO Brautman is responsible for coordinating and organizing "Operation Sober Prom," each year.
This program is designed to remind students about the dangers of drinking and driving.
The program utilizes a simulated motor vehicle accident scene. Emergency equipment responds,
with red lights and sirens as they would in real life. Rescue crews extricate fellow class
members from the wreckage and one fellow student is portrayed as deceased. The event always
draws the crowd to an immediate silence and tears can be detected from students on occasion.
The program is designed to be as close to the real thing as possible, in an attempt to
remind students of the consequences of such actions.
During the summer months, when school is not in session, SRO Brautman reverts back to duties
of a regular Safety Officer providing coverage for the patrol and fire divisions.
SRO Brautman can be contacted via e-mail at bbrautman@augustadps.org or by phone at (316) 775-4500 extension 132.
