At the Upper Allen Police Department, we’re deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our community, especially our students. We believe that a strong partnership between law enforcement and our schools is essential for fostering a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment. Through our dedicated programs, we aim to build trust, educate, and empower the next generation.
District Resource Officer (DRO) Program: A Visible Presence for Enhanced Safety
We are incredibly excited to announce our new cost-sharing partnership with the Mechanicsburg Area School District (MASD) to enhance school safety and build positive relationships between students, staff, and law enforcement. This new initiative brings a dedicated Upper Allen Police Officer into our schools as a District Resource Officer (DRO).
Meet Officer Sanguinito, Our Dedicated DRO!
Officer Mark Sanguinito, a Pennsylvania State University graduate with a Master’s of Professional Studies in Homeland Security, was chosen for this important role after a joint selection process with the School District. He will be a visible, uniformed presence at Upper Allen Elementary, Shepherdstown Elementary, and Mechanicsburg Middle School.
What does a DRO do?
Our DRO’s primary goals are to:
- Enhance safety and security within District schools.
- Reduce and prevent school violence and criminal activity by juveniles and young adults on school property.
- Foster positive relationships and mutual understanding between students, school staff, and law enforcement.
- Serve as an accessible law enforcement resource for the school community.
- Promote understanding of laws and the role of law enforcement.
- Assist school administrators in developing, assessing, and refining safety plans, security measures, and emergency response protocols.
It’s important to understand that our DRO is here to support and educate, not to enforce school rules. This program is about building a daily connection and ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for everyone. We’re truly thrilled to have Officer Sanguinito engaging with our students and staff!
S.M.A.R.T.S. Program: Equipping Students for Life’s Challenges
In conjunction with the Mechanicsburg Police Department and the Mechanicsburg School District, we’ve developed the S.M.A.R.T.S. program: “Students Making Appropriate Responses to Tough Situations.” This program provides Mechanicsburg Area students with the tools to make responsible decisions when facing challenging situations involving life skills, safety, and health-related issues such as drugs/alcohol, personal safety, peer pressure, and bullying.
Through S.M.A.R.T.S., students have the opportunity to interact with officers from both the Upper Allen and Mechanicsburg Police Departments, fostering valuable connections and open communication.
We are dedicated to working hand-in-hand with our schools to create a community where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to thrive. If you have any questions about our school engagement programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
