Business Excellence Award Winner Spotlight

Government Department of the Year: Summit County Sheriff's Office - School Resource Officers Staff

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2026 Business Excellence Awards!  We're proud to spotlight our winners and share their successes.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers (SROs) provide and maintain safe environments for five schools in unincorporated Summit County, with the mission of ensuring safe learning environments and fostering positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.

The SRO Program safeguards schools by preventing incidents through early intervention and building trustworthy relationships with students and school staff. The objectives of the SRO program include preventing school crime, enhancing emergency preparedness, mentoring students, and offering educational programs on topics such as drug and tobacco use, bullying, internet safety, and safe driving. SROs collaborate with students, families, school staff, and the broader Summit County community through mentorship and proactive safety initiatives.

SROs regularly assess their prevention efforts and refine outreach programs to align with community needs. They collaborate and maintain open communication with school administrators, staff, students, and community partners to identify gaps in safety planning and to strengthen those plans. By analyzing data from incidents, drills, compliance checks, and prevention measures, they incorporate lessons learned to improve protocols and educational programming. By staying engaged, adaptable, and focused, our SROs effectively respond to the evolving needs of the unincorporated schools in Summit County and their families.

The SRO Program has a profound and positive impact on our community and its youth. Our dedicated SROs embody the spirit of safety, partnership, and community engagement, transcending the traditional role of law enforcement. They work closely with healthcare organizations, fire districts, municipal police departments, Summit County Public Health and Human Services, and various community programs and nonprofits to tackle critical issues such as student safety both in and out of school, substance use prevention, and mentorship for our youth.

By actively supporting student safety, academic achievement, safe driving habits, and limiting underage access to tobacco, SROs play a vital role in enhancing the students' lives, providing them with a solid support system. By being available daily for student interactions and attending and participating in school events, SROs greatly benefit the students in our county, helping children feel comfortable with law enforcement so they feel safe reaching out for help when they need it. Their positive presence in schools not only enhances safety but also cultivates meaningful and positive relationships between youth and law enforcement and provides tangible support to families throughout the county.

The Summit County Sheriff’s Office SRO Program significantly enriches the safety and well-being of all who live, work, and thrive in Summit County. Through their commitment to collaboration, visibility, and guidance, the presence of SROs in schools and at associated events prevents more issues than can be quantified, significantly contributing to the overall safety of the community.

Click here to learn more about Summit County Sheriff's Office SRO Program.