\u201cWhile we recognize the difficult reality that no system can eliminate every risk, we continuously reevaluate and strengthen our processes and procedures as part of our commitment to the safety of our students and staff,\u201d a district news release reads.<\/p>\n
Her request to reinstate SROs comes after the fatal shooting of 16-year-old De\u2019Jon Sledge at Natomas High School on Friday. The Sacramento County District Attorney\u2019s Office said that a student shot Sledge during a \u201cviolent attempted robbery,\u201d categorizing the shooter\u2019s actions as self-defense<\/a>.<\/p>\n City spokesperson Jennifer Singer confirmed that the city manager is currently reviewing the school district\u2019s request.<\/p>\n \u201cThe loss of life is heartbreaking, and any loss of life in our community is deeply felt,\u201d she wrote in a statement. \u201cThe city and police department are committed to working closely with our partners to evaluate this request, understand current needs and determine the most responsible path forward.\u201d<\/p>\n On-campus safety after Natomas High shooting<\/p>\n The city canceled the school district\u2019s $2.1 million SRO contract, which was initially set to expire in June 2028, in October. Officials said that staffing shortages forced them to reassign these officers to patrol duty to meet the city\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n Natomas Unified responded by beefing up its own safe schools department, creating three new school safety positions to support each high school and float to other sites as needed. The district also hired campus safety specialists to monitor campus perimeters and parking lots.<\/p>\n In terms of safety measures, the district has fencing around each school campus, security camera systems and check-in procedures for all visitors and parents.<\/p>\n Students and staff returned to class Monday with the support of a mental health team, community partners and increased presence of the district\u2019s safety team, according to a Monday news release.<\/p>\n District spokesperson Deidra Powell said that a prospective contract with the police department would add to, not replace, the district\u2019s recent safety developments.<\/p>\n The problem underscoring the previous contract cancellation is still present. Outgoing police chief Kathy Lester told The Sacramento Bee on Monday that the department was facing significant budget and staffing challenges, and that the department will host a recruitment academy for hopeful law enforcement officers.<\/p>\n SROs have been controversial, with critics doubting on-campus law enforcement\u2019s efficacy in responding to school shootings. Research has shown<\/a> that school-based police have been marginally successful in preventing some violence on campuses, but their presence doesn\u2019t prevent school shootings and is linked to disproportionate discipline of Black and disabled students.<\/p>\n The Bee\u2019s Ishani Desai contributed to this report.<\/p>\n
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