School Liaison Officer (SLO)

 

At the beginning of 2000 the City of Saint Peter and Saint Peter Public Schools reached an agreement that would place a Police Officer into Saint Peter Schools.  The position is partially funded by the school district, but is still an employee of the city.  The duties of the School Liaison Officer (SLO) revolve around three primary areas:  Law Enforcement, Education and School Resource.

 

As a Police Officer assigned to the schools, the SLO is responsible for normal Patrol Officer functions on school grounds and to assist the duty police officers on school related calls as needed elsewhere in the city.  The SLO responds to any emergency calls, investigates accidents, takes reports from crime victims, investigates reports of crimes and actively seeks to prevent crimes occurring on school grounds.  The SLO also assists school staff with school security matters.

 

The SLO also has additional responsibilities to help educate students, staff and parents.  The SLO does presentations on safety, internet crime, substance abuse and other topics to which the SLO can add a different perspective.  A unique aspect of the SLO’s duties include doing question and answer appearances in classrooms where requested.

 

The third facet of the job is as a resource to students, staff and parents.  The SLO brings a wealth of knowledge of the community to the district.  This knowledge can assist those served find help within the community that is sometimes not readily apparent.

 

Officer Tom Winsell is currently assigned as the SLO.  Officer Winsell can be reached at the Saint Peter Police Department at 507.931.1550 or tomw@saintpetermn.gov.  He can also be reached at Saint Peter High School at 507.934.4210 ext. 499 or twinsell@stpeterschools.org.