MPS committee approves resolution to tighten guidelines for school resource officers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) - The Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) Committee on Legislation, Rules, and Policies met on Tuesday night to discuss a resolution that would limit actions for MPS school resource officers (SRO).

Back in December, Board President Missy Zombor proposed the resolution as a way to establish protections and accountability for the SRO program.

Before Tuesday night’s meeting, administration completed the initial review of the resolution and consulted with legal counsel to assess alignment with existing district guidelines and practices.

The resolution details a system where SROs could only intervene in situations that involve criminal activity and would require quarterly reports that include all arrest details and any law enforcement intervention.

The committee voted unanimously 4-0 in favor of approving the resolution, which will now head back to the MPD board.

Before the meeting, dozens of students and teachers protested outside the MPS administration building, chanting for changes to the SRO system and calling for the removal of officers.

SROs returned to MPS schools in early 2025; currently, there are 33 officers across the district.

“It was strange, it was really new. I never really felt safe at school, so now I just don’t feel safe with them,” MPS senior Elijah Shorts said.

Shorts was one of multiple students who spoke to the committee during the meeting, bringing up how kids feel unsafe while being around the officers.

“I’ve seen them getting involved in a lot of non-criminal issues at school,” MPS junior Anneliese Schultz said.

Some students and teachers also brought up how officers should not be in full uniform while at schools.

MPS Superintendent Dr. Brenda Cassellius said she would speak with MPD Chief Jeffrey Norman about the uniforms.