
Two of Canyons District’s most respected SROs, Officers Shay Ballard and Kelly Taylor, joined CSD Administrator Charisse Hilton as guests on this episode of the Connect Canyons podcast for a riveting and insightful chat about SROs’ roles and responsibilities, challenges and opportunities, and rewards. Ballard and Taylor agreed that the relationships they build with students is the most gratifying and important part of their jobs. “We’re huge in advocating for the students. As much as (some people) might think that we’re just out to get ‘em or punish ‘em, no, that’s not the reward,” Ballard said. “The reward’s not how many tickets or many arrests did I get. It’s, ‘Who did I save?’” As noted in a press release from the National Association of School Resource Officers, the SRO assignment is unique within the law enforcement profession. They fill a three-part role, acting as informal mentors or counselors, as law educators and as law enforcement officers to support the students and communities they serve.