Mark Edson Essay
Mark Edson began serving the citizens of Arapahoe County, Colorado as a Police Officer in 1994. During Mark's 21 years of police service, he has served as a Community Resource Officer, a Crime Prevention Officer, SWAT Negotiator, Patrol Supervisor and is currently a permanently assigned School Resource Officer with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office in Centennial, CO. Mark holds certifications in Community Policing, Problem Oriented Policing, CPTED, Crime Prevention, IPMBA, Negotiations, Leadership, Basic and Advanced NASRO SRO and ALICE Instructor, as well as many other awards, certifications and achievements.
Deputy Mark Edson is a problem solver, and is committed to Campus Safety after having been involved in the response and recovery …show more content…
of both Columbine and Arapahoe High school shootings. Mark is currently assigned two middle schools and eight elementary schools in Centennial, and will soon be assigned to a new position as an exclusive elementary school SRO. As an SRO, Mark has implemented the Watch D.O.G.S program at 5 of his elementary schools, teaches Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Personal Safety and Computer and Phone Safety at his middle schools and to PTO's, and has built a very positive working relationship with his students and staff. Mark has served on the Board of Directors for a volunteer, all youth-run Search and Rescue team in Colorado since 1993, and also was Treasurer for the Littleton Police Officer's Association for 6 years. Mark looks forward to utilizing his innovative, police and board experience to use for the NASRO members and the communities in Region 8.
Candidate's Campaign Platform
What is a School Resource Officer?
The easy answer is a Teacher, Counselor and Law Enforcement Officer. My answer probably mirrors many of you; that it is much more than this. A SRO is a role model, a friend, an ambassador, an administrator, a legal advisor, a mental health professional, a security professional and in many cases, the sole defender of America's future. Supporting those of us who volunteer for this unique position is of the utmost importance to me. As your Regional Director, I will make sure that you are receiving the best training, support and information available in our industry. I will reach out to you to make sure you are getting what you need from NASRO, and listen to any recommendations you may have. I will keep you informed, and updated on any changes and trainings in your area. I will also work with the Board to institute new information sharing resources, so , like me, you do not have to re-invent the wheel.
I understand that funding can often be an important issue in selling the SRO program. All too often we have seen reports from Bernard James of departments and districts pulling their SRO program. As your Regional Director, I will work with NASRO to offer departments, officers and school districts support in selling the SRO program, or information on continued funding in support of the ever increasing need for School Resource Officers.
Additionally, I will commit to working with the state associations in our region so that we are working together in the common goal of campus safety.
Additional Running
platforms:
Create a Political Action Committee to advocate for school safety laws. In the last 50 years, not one child has died due to a fire in a school. The time is NOW to work with fire safety experts and law enforcement experts to clarify or change existing fire codes that conflict with best practices for campus safety. A National Association committee working with Congress and the Executive Branch, lobbying, policy development, political field representatives, political communications and grassroots advocacy could affect the changes needed to benefit school and campus safety.
Design a Benefits Program for NASRO Members, offering special discounts on products and services, as well as expanding our on-line products.
Research and develop additional insurance benefits for NASRO Members.
Offer additional professional development resources and training exclusively for NASRO Members, such as juvenile mental health training Webinars, funding programs. Expand our on-line resource and communication between members.
Deputy Mark Edson is a problem solver, and is committed to Campus Safety after having been involved in the response and recovery …show more content…
of both Columbine and Arapahoe High school shootings. Mark is currently assigned two middle schools and eight elementary schools in Centennial, and will soon be assigned to a new position as an exclusive elementary school SRO. As an SRO, Mark has implemented the Watch D.O.G.S program at 5 of his elementary schools, teaches Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Personal Safety and Computer and Phone Safety at his middle schools and to PTO's, and has built a very positive working relationship with his students and staff. Mark has served on the Board of Directors for a volunteer, all youth-run Search and Rescue team in Colorado since 1993, and also was Treasurer for the Littleton Police Officer's Association for 6 years. Mark looks forward to utilizing his innovative, police and board experience to use for the NASRO members and the communities in Region 8.
Candidate's Campaign Platform
What is a School Resource Officer?
The easy answer is a Teacher, Counselor and Law Enforcement Officer. My answer probably mirrors many of you; that it is much more than this. A SRO is a role model, a friend, an ambassador, an administrator, a legal advisor, a mental health professional, a security professional and in many cases, the sole defender of America's future. Supporting those of us who volunteer for this unique position is of the utmost importance to me. As your Regional Director, I will make sure that you are receiving the best training, support and information available in our industry. I will reach out to you to make sure you are getting what you need from NASRO, and listen to any recommendations you may have. I will keep you informed, and updated on any changes and trainings in your area. I will also work with the Board to institute new information sharing resources, so , like me, you do not have to re-invent the wheel.
I understand that funding can often be an important issue in selling the SRO program. All too often we have seen reports from Bernard James of departments and districts pulling their SRO program. As your Regional Director, I will work with NASRO to offer departments, officers and school districts support in selling the SRO program, or information on continued funding in support of the ever increasing need for School Resource Officers.
Additionally, I will commit to working with the state associations in our region so that we are working together in the common goal of campus safety.
Additional Running
platforms:
Create a Political Action Committee to advocate for school safety laws. In the last 50 years, not one child has died due to a fire in a school. The time is NOW to work with fire safety experts and law enforcement experts to clarify or change existing fire codes that conflict with best practices for campus safety. A National Association committee working with Congress and the Executive Branch, lobbying, policy development, political field representatives, political communications and grassroots advocacy could affect the changes needed to benefit school and campus safety.
Design a Benefits Program for NASRO Members, offering special discounts on products and services, as well as expanding our on-line products.
Research and develop additional insurance benefits for NASRO Members.
Offer additional professional development resources and training exclusively for NASRO Members, such as juvenile mental health training Webinars, funding programs. Expand our on-line resource and communication between members.