The Tecumseh Police Department and Tecumseh Public Schools recently announced Officer Chad Rodgers will serve as the district’s new School Resource Officer (SRO).
Officer Rodgers is a 15-year veteran of the Tecumseh Police Department and serves as the department’s Public Information Officer. He has worked closely with Tecumseh Public Schools for the last four years, providing support services and law enforcement duties as needed. An SRO is a professional law enforcement officer with a police department or agency who serves in collaboration with one or more schools. The primary function of an SRO is to take a proactive role in promoting a safe learning environment through the development of strategies for conflict resolution through education, mentorship and law enforcement.
“Officer Rodgers is a familiar face in our schools and has been an active partner in supporting our learners and their families,” said Dr. Kelly Coffin, TPS superintendent. “In his new role, he will continue to build upon these relationships to contribute to a safe, positive and encouraging school culture.”
Rodgers said he has a strong desire and passion to support student success, while building relationships and trust with learners and school staff.
“The success of the position will rely on effective communication with students, staff, parents and the community,” he said. “I am a firm believer that true learning will elicit a behavior change, and education is law enforcement’s best tool to prevent undesirable behavior.”
In October, Tecumseh City Council and the TPS Board of Education met in a joint meeting to discuss creating the SRO position for the district. The formal agreement between the city and school district was approved and in November. Rodgers will remain an employee of the city, with the district funding 75-percent of the SRO role and the city covering 25-percent.
Officer Rodgers has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Adrian College, a master’s degree in public administration from Eastern Michigan University. He holds a Firefighter/Paramedic and Instructor Coordinator license from the state of Michigan. He is currently pursuing additional training for the SRO position provided by the National Association of School Resource Officers.
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