West Sacramento approves five‑year pilot MOU with Washington Unified to reinstate a School Resource Officer at high schools

The West Sacramento City Council voted to approve a five‑year Memorandum of Understanding with Washington Unified School District to cost‑share an SRO (School Resource Officer) position focused on the district’s high schools.

The district and police department presented a plan informed by community outreach that emphasized roles for the SRO in safety planning, threat assessment, emergency response and relationship building. Washington Unified’s Director of Special Programs and Student Services, Dr. Jay Burns, described community survey results showing support for SRO roles such as safety, threat assessment and mentorship while noting concerns about training and equity. Presenters emphasized required SRO training modules including adolescent brain development, trauma‑informed practice, supporting students with disabilities, de‑escalation, and mental‑health awareness.

Council members and members of the public emphasized the need for clear role delineation (administrators manage school discipline; officers handle criminal or safety matters), safeguards to avoid disproportionate enforcement, partnerships with mental‑health clinicians and the need for metrics to measure success and equity. Council asked for ongoing reporting and evaluation data, including indicators of safety, utilization of mental‑health supports and any enforcement actions.

The motion to approve the MOU was made and carried on roll call.