Abington Township Police Department Photo by James Short.
The Security Resource Officers are stationed at the Abington high and middle schools
Thus far, in 2024 alone, there have been 139 incidents of gunfire on school grounds. These shootings have resulted in 42 deaths and 91 injuries throughout the United States. According to Everytown Research, these alarming statistics are just the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to its goals of not only making schools safer, but finding solutions to combat the impact such gun violence incidents have on children and teens.
In a climate such as this, the protection of school students is a top priority of districts throughout the area. Abington Township Police Department, as many municipal departments do for their surrounding districts, commits police officers to serve as “School Resource Officers” each year. This school year, students have been introduced to two new faces serving in just such a manner.
Officer Dustin Wittmer and Officer Drew Saurman are both “excited to take on their new roles,” according to a post by the department on social media. Both will serve through the 2024-25 school year to protect and assist students, keeping the buildings, and the precious lives inside of them, safe.
Image courtesy of Abington PD: Officer Saurman“They will be teaming up with school staff to provide a safe learning environment, while building positive connections with students,” said the post.
Wittmer is a 15-year veteran to the department. He had served as the temporary SRO for the second half of the 2023-24 school year, so is familiar with the role. According to the department, he is also a member serving on the police honor guard unit, as well as a field training officer. Wittmer will serve at the Abington High School
Abington Middle School will also have an SRO in Saurman, who is an 11-year veteran of the police department. He serves on the SWAT team as well as a member of the educational DARE instructional program.
“Thanks to the cooperation and commitment of the Abington School District, Abington Police Department has full-time SROs assigned to both the Abington Junior and Senior high schools,” said the department’s website on the matter.
Not only do the police make connections with area youth through the SRO program, but they also provide piece of mind for all, from students and staff in the building, to the parents and families at home.
“Our SROs provide a uniformed police presence, and serve as visible, positive role models for the school population,” said the site. The officers also are able to provide safety tips and information in the event of emergencies.
Image courtesy of Abington PD: Officer WittmerAccording to Abington School District’s site, the SROs assist in “safety training that occurs for staff and students throughout the year.” Some drills include fire, severe weather, and active shooter routines with “a preventative focus to be prepared for such emergencies,” said the site.
Throughout Abington schools, the Safe2Say Something program is also in continual operation.
“If you need to report a student who may pose an immediate threat to themselves or others, you should contact the school principal or one of the following members of the Threat Assessment Team:
Alternatively, students that wish to remain anonymous in such tips can call 1-844-SAF2SAY (723-2729) or visit Safe2SayPA.org to report any information necessary. Students can also speak to the SROs anytime they may need to do so.
SROs are, of course, not the only way the local police serve area students.
“The addition of the SRO complements the Abington Police Department’s commitment to ongoing school-based outreach programs such as D.A.R.E., the Community Partnership of Youth and Adults, and 24-Hour Relay Challenge.”
Having uniformed officers in the schools also provides a tactical “in” for those in the department. With close connections to the student body, the SROs can keep an eye on concerning behaviors or incidents that may escalate.
“In addition to working with students, faculty, parents, and community groups, SROs identify and address risk factors that contribute to criminal behavior or substance abuse among Abington students,” said the department’s site.
These crucial connections serve the community in far more ways than one may see at first glance.
“In addition, the SRO’s assist in the planning and implementation of school activities by serving as a link to outside community, civic, and governmental resources. In this manner the APD, School District, students, parents, and community will work in partnership to develop an atmosphere of positive, pro-social behavior,” said the site.
Having a level of protection each and every school day can give all a sense of security, throughout the school year.
“Working primarily in uniform, the SRO provides a visible symbol that the police and schools are mutually committed to providing a safe learning environment. In addition, the SRO will serve as a liaison between the schools and the police department.”
For more information on the SRO program, visit https://www.abingtonpd.org/.
