LISA HOBBS - News Editor
School resource officers work closely with administrators, staff and students to create a safe learning environment, but they are also positive role models and mentors.
Jason Richardson spent 21 years with the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, with eight of those years as an SRO at Morrison Elementary. He came out of retirement three years ago to work as an SRO at F.C. Boyd Sr. Christian School.
A typical day involves lots of high-fives and fist bumps.
“I have to tell the little ones that I’m not The Hulk. I don’t need Hulk smashes. A fist bump is good. Some of them like to draw back and give you a Hulk smash. They might pop their fingers, or they might pop mine. They don’t realize that I’ve got a wedding ring on and they might get hurt, so I do remind them ‘no Hulk smashes.’ We don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
Richardson says between traffic stops or being an SRO, he prefers being a positive presence in the school community.
“I feel like this is an easier way to get to know the public, and I get to be a positive influence on kids. We work games, as well as other school functions, and get to know the families. We get to interact with them on a regular basis. It’s enjoyable. As a deputy, you get to know the community when you’re on traffic stops, during an emergency call and things like that.”
Richardson says he knows most of the students by name, not an easy feat as Boyd has nearly doubled its enrollment to almost 200 during his tenure.
“The school has grown since I’ve been here. I appreciate being able to watch the students grow and make progress in their education. It’s fulfilling. It’s rewarding. I look at the students like they are all my kids. I know about 90 percent of them by name. I enjoy being a positive influence on them.”
There are characteristics that make someone a good school resource officer, including patience, empathy, strong communication skills, integrity, and, says Richardson, just being a good listener.
“Sometimes, kids just need someone to listen to them. At every school you go to there are kids who have one parent, or they live with grandparents or another family member, and they work and lead busy lives. They don’t really have someone at home to listen to them after school. So, it’s important for SRO’s to be good listeners, as well as have strong communication skills.”
The 2026-27 school year marks Richardson’s fourth year as an SRO at the school.