The training was mandated by the Legislature in the wake of the Columbine High School massacre. The training is intended to make officers more adept at spotting students with emotional problems that could lead to violence. Classes include topics such as mediation and conflict resolution, tactical awareness and problem solving. On a recent spring day, Contreras would check on as many as 24 schools during his eight-hour shift. He would look into an alleged threat, an assault, reported drug use and vandalism.
Some officers dress in plain clothes and are stationed at specific campuses.
They are the school district's version of community police officers, charged with getting to know the students, their problems and potential trouble they might get in. A student had threatened to kill himself. Officials feared the child may have grabbed a weapon before boarding a school bus. The bus was 20 minutes late. The bus finally arrived.