Connor-Sponsored Law to Require Training Standards for School Resource Officers to Take Effect Jan. 1

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Legislation backed by state Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, that requires the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board to develop a special certification program for school resource officers will take effect after the new year.

“With violence in schools occurring more often, the safety and wellbeing of our students is more important than ever,” Connor said. “By requiring a specific training program to be developed to aid school resource officers, we’re taking more steps to ensure that our children feel safe and happy in their schools.”

Senate Bill 2925, co-sponsored by Connor, provides that the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board create or approve a training program for school resource officers that covers subjects such as child and adolescent psychology, youth mental health, trauma intervention, conflict resolution and child abuse prevention. The program must consist of at least 40 hours of training, and will require recertification every four years.

“By allowing our school resource officers to be better equipped to handle the needs of our students, we’re creating a safe space and a better environment for children and adolescents to learn and develop social skills,” Connor said. “I’m hopeful that this training will improve the safety of the schools in our community and give our students the resources they need to be happy and healthy.”