Overtime Pay Issues Lead to Shift in Denver School Resource Officers

Overtime Pay Disputes Prompt Police Reassignments in Denver Schools

Three school resource officers (SROs) in Denver have requested transfers amid a dispute over overtime pay, raising questions about school safety and police presence in academic environments. This transition follows a troubling trend in the region, especially in the wake of a recent school shooting at nearby Jeffco Public Schools, highlighting the urgency of ensuring adequate security measures for students.

The Situation at Stake

Recent reports indicate that the SROs at Montbello High School, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College, and the Regis Groff Campus sought reassignment after the Denver Police Department discontinued their ability to earn overtime pay on their scheduled days off. Doug Schepman, the director of communications for the department, emphasized that despite these changes, there would be no reduction in officer presence at the affected schools during the search for new officers.

The Broader Impact on School Safety

Denver Public Schools, which reinstated SROs in 2023 after previous removals in 2020 due to widespread protests for police reform, has categorized this issue as an internal police matter, while continuing to highlight the importance of safety within their schools. With the tragic events at Evergreen High, where a part-time SRO was not present during a shooting, the calls for comprehensive safety measures become ever more crucial.

Understanding the Changing Dynamics

The recent removal of the overtime arrangement has sparked significant concern among officers regarding their compensation and job satisfaction. Previously, the SROs operated on a “9/80” schedule—working nine days on, with one day off every two weeks, during which they could still accrue overtime. This practice was deemed inappropriate and stopped by the department, prompting the officers to seek reassignment.

Next Steps for Denver Schools

As the search begins for new SROs to fill these critical roles, Denver's school district is committed to ensuring that safety remains a priority for students and staff alike. Families and local communities are urged to stay informed about developments in school safety protocols and how they can support the ongoing discussions about the roles of police within educational settings.

In a landscape marked by evolving views on police in schools, these developments at Denver Public Schools offer a compelling glimpse into the balancing act between security and community sentiment.