School Resource Officers Create Safe, Supportive Spaces in Clayton
When students in Clayton head to school, many see a familiar face waiting to greet them. That face is often a School Resource Officer, or SRO, like Officer Avigail Cruz. Officer Cruz works every day to keep students, teachers, and school staff safe. She also builds strong relationships with the school community.
As we continue to recognize National Police Week, it’s important to highlight the officers whose roles extend beyond traditional patrol. School Resource Officers like Cruz represent the department in classrooms and hallways, acting as both protectors and mentors for Clayton’s youth.
Officer Cruz has worked with the Town of Clayton since 2020. She became an SRO about three years ago. Her first assignment was unusual, starting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Even though the world was changing rapidly, I knew my role was to be a steady, reliable figure for both the students and staff, making sure they felt safe during such uncertain times.”
As an SRO, Officer Cruz is assigned to a specific school. She helps with security, works with staff, and supports students in many ways. She regularly walks through the buildings to look for any areas of concern and gives helpful ideas to school leaders. She also works with Johnston County Schools and school principals to share updates on protocols and improve the overall atmosphere.
One important part of the job is building trust. Officer Cruz said it is important for students to feel comfortable speaking with her.
“I walk the hallways, join in on school dances, and share a laugh with the students,” she said. “Over time, they get to know me, and I want them to feel comfortable knowing I’m always here to lend a hand.”
Being present helps students feel safe and supported, according to Officer Cruz. And that feeling does not end when the school day is over. She said many families recognize her around Town.
“At local events, I love seeing students and parents,” said Officer Cruz. “When they stop to say hello, it means a lot to me. It reminds me that the work we do goes beyond the school walls. It’s about building those meaningful connections in our community.”
Being an SRO means listening to many different people. Officer Cruz often speaks with students, teachers, parents, and administrators.
“Each person brings a different perspective,” she said. “There are times when I help everyone see eye to eye. I make sure to approach each situation with patience and take the time to explain things clearly.”
Prioritizing the well-being of students and staff is one of the biggest parts of her role. In fact, every school in Clayton now has its own dedicated SRO.
“When I first started, I covered a middle school and two elementary schools,” shared Officer Cruz. “Now, each school has its own officer, which shows just how much importance is placed on school safety today.”
To stay ready for any situation, the police department holds regular training. Officers practice how they would respond during emergencies. They even train inside actual school buildings.
“That helps everyone – patrol, SROs, and detective – work together as a team, creating a stronger, more unified approach to supporting the schools and community,” said Officer Cruz.
Working as an SRO also means sharing information. If a student mentions something that could affect safety outside of school, Officer Cruz communicates with patrol officers and detectives. She also shares details with other SROs in Johnston County to help protect students across the area.
“Every conversation, every bit of shared knowledge, helps build a stronger support system for our students,” said Officer Cruz. “Working together makes it easier to spot potential issues and resolve them before they become bigger problems.”
To learn more about the Clayton Police Department and its School Resource Officers Unit, visit claytonpolice.org.
