Where should I even begin with this blog? Okay, lets start from the beginning of my career as an SRO! I was blessed to have been given the opportunity as a Law Enforcement Officer in 1994, to begin my career as an SRO (School Resource Officer) at Pasco Middle School. I didn't really know what I was doing in the early years, but thanks to my mentor - V. Davenport (who was the SRO there before me), who sat me down and "showed me the ropes" so to speak.
My Agency graciously recognized the potential of this much needed program and sent me off to SRO school, in Philadelphia, Pa.
I had never been any farther East in the Us, than as far as Georgia; so, for this southern-raised gentleman to be smack dab in the North-Eastern United States, and behaving like I had been raised too by my Father, I found rather quickly that Northern "folks" don't take to kindly to CHIVALRY.
I was exposed to so many new cultures and ideas there, that it really opened my eyes and heart, to wanting to know more about our great Nation and it's "melting-pot" of peoples.
I completed my SRO training, but not before teaming up with some of my classmates and taking a weekend trip to the Big Apple! Downtown MANHATTAN baby!
We pulled into downtown and parked along the curb, next to some really fancy hotel, owned by some rich guy named DONALD TRUMP!
We had breakfast in Central Park and watched the minions passing here and there, as if the world was their's to control! We made a full day of it, experiencing everything POSITIVE imaginable and I was never so lost in this great world, as I was in New York!
Okay, visual pic time: here I am, all of 6 ft 3 in tall, wearing blue jeans, boots, black t-shirt with a red flannel shirt as cover (late October), walking downtown in Manhattan, looking up at all of the skyscrappers as I'm walking, and muttering something to the effect of "Goollly" (in best Southern Gomer Pyle style).
Now as my upbringing demanded; I attempted NUMEROUS times, to open doors for ladies and to greet all those that I met along the way with "Howdy." Needless to say, New Yorkers have quicker responses than what I was prepared to accept and told me in quick report, "whats your problem?"
Ohh yeah, the "Cabbies", they are exactly as you see them on the TV, and maybe quite a bit worse? I learned oh to quickly, don't dare step off the curb as soon as the light turns green to allow passage to the other side? I was nearly a "southern statistic" right there at Rockerfeller Center? But all in all, I had a blast, learning from my Northern neighbors there!
Now lets get back to Philly! When they advertise the "City of Brotherly Love" that is exactly what they mean! When the Philly PD learned that we were in town for a "COP" class, they bent over backwards showing all of us the true meaning of their slogan!
If I ever get a chance to go back there, I will jump on that one immediately! I want to take my family there also, so they can experience firsthand, the LOVE in that city. OH, did I mention the FOOD? Thank you LOU's for keeping this large man and his appetite satisfied! Lou's has the BEST Philly Steak I have ever had the distinct honor to taste!!!! WOW, my mouth is watering now just thinking of it?
The Instructors there were the best in the Nation! It was there that I learned that I was in this business for the wrong reasons? Want to save a life? Sure! Want to bust a bad guy while committing a crime? SURE!
But, our true future is our KIDS!!! The SRO program is all about reaching our children and bridging the gap between the "MAN", the "POPO" or the officer in uniform that some parents tell their children to "either behave, or I'll have that man/woman there get ya and put you in jail."
The SRO program is implemented in schools to facilitate various classroom presentations; ranging from "Stranger Danger", "Gang and Drug awareness" to specific law enforcement related subjects.
This is where I fell back in love with my job! Hey, after working the streets and doing time in CID (Criminal Intelligence Division), I thought there was nothing else? I was wrong!
This brings me to the subject that I watched on the news today; Manatee County talking about taking their SRO's out of the elementary school levels? How ludicrous is this thought process? Whats next, axe the entire SRO program, because some "educated pencil-pusher" doesn't know how to budget correctly?
The SRO program at the elementary level is most critical! This is the age that the child has the best chance to decide what direction in life they will take? Educate them at this age with all of the ammunition that we have to keep them away from the evils of the world and then re-enforce those ideas with fresh steps to better decision making skills! This is where it makes the most impact!
By the time our youth have progressed to middle and high school levels, they have usually already made their choices as to what type of person they are going to be in life?
Leave the SRO programs alone folks; better yet, get behind them and support them with everything that you have! They (SRO's) are there to support you and provide you with whatever resources they have available?
Taking away the SRO program at such an early stage, only hinders that trust and confidence that we as officers work so hard to build with our youth?
Yeah it takes time to build that trust with the students and it hurts deep down to see one stray from the path; but, all it takes is that one student to walk up to you, give you a huge smile and hug and tell you THANK YOU for keeping them straight!
To see those that you've been so blessed to help along the way, walk across that stage on Graduation Day and receive their diploma, that is what makes this whole weird life style worth every single second!
After seeing all that have graduated in the years past and the gratitude that has been bestowed upon me by them; I cannot imagine taking that moment of joy away from anyone, much less an SRO who has spent many years with them?
With that, I want to tell my graduating class of 2007 at Pasco High School, that Officer McDougal is so very proud of each and every one of you! You all have come a long way since 6th grade at Pasco Middle School and I am HONORED to been chosen by God, to have been your School Resource Officer, for all these years! You have made these last (7) seven years of my life, so enjoyable and worth while!
Godspeed in your careers and as always, STAY SAFE!
Remember DOUGAL loves you!
**Britt, as your father, I could not be more proud of you and the Lady that you have grown to be! Remember the values that your mother and I have instilled in you and go follow your dreams! I know you will make a great Biologist and do something wonderful to help save our environment!
As your SRO, I wish my entire career could be filled with others with half your character and positive attitude? You have made it very easy for me to make this transition between Dad and Cop. I thank GOD everyday for you and the life that He has given you with me!
Always remember this: PAPI LOVES YOU and you get two thumbs up!!
