Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to discuss the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, including a presentation on its framework, objectives, and data. Key discussions revolved around the program's financial sustainability, the Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) fund's deficit, and the implications of accepting a federal grant for new SRO positions. Council members also addressed concerns regarding data collection, demographic trends, and the need for potential future public engagement on funding.
Upcoming Community Events
Operation School Bell
SROs assist children in need with shopping for school supplies, clothing, shoes, and hygiene items.
Police Athletics League (PAL)
A program designed to bridge the gap between community youth and law enforcement officers.
Financial Matters
Public Safety Sales Tax (PSST) Fund Status
In fiscal year 2019-2020, the PSST generated $9.408 million from sales tax and $1.117 million from use tax. Total expenditures exceeded revenues by $1.522 million, requiring a subsidy from the general fund. This general fund subsidy is projected to increase to over $3 million by fiscal year 2025-2026.
SRO Program Funding
SRO program salaries and overtime totaled approximately $1.1 million in the last fiscal year. Norman Public Schools contributes around $670,000 annually to the program. The city was awarded a federal grant for four new SRO positions, which requires a local matching fund, expected to come from the general fund.
Public Comments
Council members relayed citizen input and concerns regarding the SRO program's data transparency, particularly the disproportionate involvement of students of color in incidents, and the lack of specific outcome data for mentorship programs. There was significant discussion about the long-term financial sustainability of the SRO program and the Public Safety Sales Tax fund, with suggestions for a public vote on a sales tax increase to address the projected deficit.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Further discussion on SRO program funding and potential sales tax increase at the October 16th retreat.
- Potential public vote on a sales tax increase to support PSST funding, possibly in April 2021.
- Improved data collection and analysis for the SRO program, including separating incidents from enforcement actions and tracking mentorship outcomes.
Announcements
- Sergeant K. Mosley was recognized by a Norman North High School student for his commitment and support.
- Lieutenant Savage was recognized for paying to fix a grandmother's car, enabling her to work and her grandchild to attend school.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding the School Resource Officer Program
Captain Hawkins presented on the SRO program's history, mission, triad concept, community involvement (Operation School Bell, PAL), and data for the 2019-2020 school year, which showed zero arrests but 70 protective custodies. The presentation emphasized SROs' role in mentoring and handling criminal issues, not school discipline. Council discussion focused on data transparency, demographic analysis, program effectiveness, and the financial sustainability of the SRO program given the PSST fund's deficit and the requirements of a new federal grant.