Seaside Neighborhood School uses $25,000 donation to hire first full-time security resource officer

Deputy David Talley, 42, has been in law enforcement for 14 years. He is stationed at the Seaside Neighborhood middle school, but also will serve at the Seacoast Collegiate High School campus as needed.

“The safety of our students is, of course, our number one concern,” Kim Mixson principal for Seaside Neighborhood Middle School says. “This opportunity gives our parents, students and board of directors peace of mind.”

Previously, Seaside Neighborhood School shared a part-time deputy who was on call. Deputy Talley who previously worked at an elementary school is familiar with developing a rapport with students. “I really like it,” he says. “I have a good and positive relationship with them. They know they can talk with me and count on me.”

School resource officers (SROs) are sworn law enforcement officers who are responsible for providing security and crime prevention services in the American school environment.

SROs are typically employed by a local police or sheriff’s agency and work closely with administrators in an effort to create a safer environment for both students and staff.

The responsibilities of SROs are similar to regular police officers in that they have the ability to make arrests, respond to calls for service, and document incidents that occur within their jurisdiction. School resource officers typically have additional duties to include mentoring and conducting presentations on youth-related issues.

Seaside Neighborhood School’s deputy will work with faculty, parents and students on various safety awareness programs such as bullying, team building and cyber safety. In addition, he will be on site daily to help with direct traffic during school hours.

“We’re excited about the resources our deputy brings,” Mixson says. “And the fact that he also will work with Seacoast Collegiate High School, means there is potential for students to develop a relationship as a 5th grader and continue it through graduation in 12th grade.”

For more information on Seaside Neighborhood School, call (850) 231-0396 and visit seasideschool.net.