Ensuring student safety isn’t just about preventing threats—it’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive. At Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD), School Resource Officers (SROs) play a critical role in fostering a culture of trust, respect, and partnership between law enforcement, educators, and families.
As QCUSD’s Coordinator of School Safety and Security, Joe Johnston began as a police officer with the Mesa Police Department, where he also served as a school resource officer. Working alongside administrators, parents, and students, Joe quickly realized that safety isn’t just about rules and regulations—it’s about relationships. Whether you’re a staff member, student, parent, or community partner, we all share a responsibility in shaping a school culture that is not only safe but also welcoming and inclusive.
The Power of Relationships in School Safety
Research shows that students who feel safe and supported in school perform better academically, have higher attendance rates, and are more engaged in their communities. SROs are more than law enforcement officers; they are mentors, role models, and trusted allies for students navigating the challenges of adolescence. Their presence on campus fosters open communication, helps prevent conflicts before they escalate, and encourages positive decision-making.
At QCUSD, we are fortunate to have a strong and collaborative partnership with local law enforcement agencies. Our SROs are carefully selected and trained not just to respond to emergencies but to proactively build relationships that make schools safer from the inside out. By connecting with students daily—whether in the classroom, the lunchroom, or after-school events—SROs create an environment where students feel comfortable seeking guidance and support.
A Commitment to Our Schools and Community
QCUSD proudly participates in the Arizona Department of Education’s competitive state-funded SRO program, which supports placing these vital officers on school campuses. Thanks to this program, every QCUSD high school has been awarded funding for an SRO in the most recent grant cycle. These officers:
● Prevent and respond to school safety concerns.
● Educate students and staff on critical law-related topics.
● Foster trust and relationships that encourage open dialogue between law enforcement and the community.
● Create a positive school culture where students feel seen, heard, and supported.
Meet the dedicated officers serving QCUSD students:
Officer Austin Lanter of the Mesa Police Department serves as the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Eastmark High School, ensuring safety through law enforcement presence, crime prevention, and incident response while fostering positive relationships. His office is near school administration, and he prioritizes accessibility before, during, and after school to connect with students.
Beyond law enforcement, Officer Lanter engages with students through education and school activities. He has served as an assistant girls’ basketball coach, game announcer for flag football and softball, and a supporter of the men’s choir. He also sponsors a student club.
Asked what he loves most about being an SRO, Officer Lanter said, “My favorite part about being an SRO is being able to interact with youth on a daily basis and providing them with positive experiences with law enforcement that they may not get outside of school.”
At Queen Creek High School, it’s Queen Creek Police Officer John Allen behind the badge, greeting students daily to make a positive impact. He teaches law-related classes to enhance students’ understanding of their rights and potential challenges. As one of three SRO’s overseeing the Cadet program, he mentors students interested in law enforcement. Officer Allen also supports student organizations by coordinating security for events.
“What I like most about being an SRO is seeing students that are having difficulty with grades and social issues at the beginning of the school year seek out my assistance and, when they apply themselves, their grades and interactions on campus improve for the better throughout the semester.” He takes great pride in serving QCHS, stating, “I wouldn’t want to work at any other school. Go Bulldogs!”
Officer Katie Williams of the Queen Creek Police Department serves as the SRO at Crismon High, ensuring safety while fostering positive, long-lasting relationships. While every day is different, she often assists with traffic concerns, student support, hall monitoring, and teaches classes, while also engaging in after school events.
Her favorite part of being an SRO is building trust with students. “What I love most is when I walk or stand in the halls and students say hi, give fist bumps, high fives, or smile. This tells me I truly am making a positive impact.”
More Than Officers—They’re Mentors, Role Models, and Friends
On February 15 we’ll celebrate National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day. The role of an SRO goes beyond enforcing laws. They are trusted mentors who listen when a student is struggling, role models who set an example of integrity, and allies who help shape the leaders of tomorrow. When students know they have someone they can turn to, schools become more than just places of learning—they become communities where everyone belongs.
At QCUSD, we don’t just talk about safety—we live it, by building relationships that create lasting change. Because when students feel supported, they don’t just succeed—they thrive.
