The St. Louis Park Police Department will be reassigning its two school resources officers (SROs) to the department’s patrol division as juvenile response officers (JROs), where they will continue to focus on youth safety, well-being and relationship building at St. Louis Park Public Schools.

This transition is being made following revisions to MN State Statute 121.058, which was updated to revise the way SROs and other agents of school districts can intervene during incidents involving students. Members of the criminal justice system, including prosecutors, continue to interpret the changes differently.

Because of the evolving nature of the guidance, the decision has been made to transition to a JRO model, which provides the clarity and continued relationship-building that is needed while working through these challenges collaboratively.

The St. Louis Park Police Department and the City of St. Louis Park continues to prioritize youth safety and well-being, the partnership with St. Louis Park Public Schools and positive, strong relationships between youth and police officers.