Through a deputy’s eyes: How a Powhatan school resource officer keeps school safe
VENN
POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- More than 1,100 full and part-time school resource officers (SRO) serve Virginia's public schools. One Central Virginia SRO told 8News about how he helps keep students and staff safe.
Deputy Mauricio Tovar said school safety is ingrained in Powhatan culture. His goal: focusing on safety with a touch of fun.
“To them, right, you’re like a protector and yeah, it means a lot to them," Deputy Tovar said.
Deputy Tovar (Photo: 8News)
Most days at Powhatan Elementary School start with a "good morning" and a high-five from Deputy Tovar, or, as some of the younger students call him, Officer Marshmallow.
Every public school in Powhatan has at least one SRO. The same goes for Henrico County Public Schools. In Richmond and Chesterfield, every middle and high school has an SRO.
For elementary school SROs, Deputy Tovar said the job requires a lighthearted touch.
“You just make it fun," Deputy Tovar said. "The staff at Powhatan Elementary’s incredible...Fun to work with, hardworking. They care about the children, they get things done, and it’s just a great environment to work in.”
During his time as an officer for the Richmond Police Department, Deputy Tovar supervised its SRO program for a year. He retired from law enforcement, but when the SRO position presented itself, he jumped back on the saddle.
"I haven’t regretted a minute of it,” Deputy Tovar said.
Deputy Tovar credits the Powhatan school system for making upgrades to the layout of the elementary school so that there’s only one entrance to get on campus.
Plus, the entire Powhatan County Sheriff’s Office participates in crisis emergency planning, and new deputies do walk-throughs of each campus to get familiar with the layout.
About every two years, there's a large-scale training where every entity that would respond during an emergency comes together.
“Sheriff [Bradford] Nunnally has really done a tremendous job of making school safety part of our culture," Deputy Tovar said.
Deputy Tovar acknowledged that active-shooter drills or going on lockdown can be distressing, especially for young children. He recommends parents start conversations at home about different emergency scenarios that could take place.
He sees his role as a chance to bridge positive relationships with law enforcement.
“When we interact with children, we’re respectful," Deputy Tovar said. "We show compassion when it’s appropriate. But we’re also firm and fair. And for our kids over in Powhatan, I want to be engaging and have fun.”
One way Deputy Tovar engages the students is if they're going too fast in the hallway, they could get a "speeding ticket." He said he’s not sure where the nickname "Officer Marshmallow" originates, but he accepts it nonetheless.
