DC School Police & School Resource Officers (SROs)
Washington DC public schools are served by School Resource Officers (SROs) — sworn Metropolitan Police Department officers embedded in DCPS schools. This guide covers how the DC school police program works, how to report safety concerns, and what school security looks like across DC public and charter schools.
What Is a School Resource Officer in DC?
A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a sworn MPD officer assigned full-time to a Washington DC public school. SROs are employed by the Metropolitan Police Department, not DCPS, and carry law enforcement authority on school grounds. Their role combines law enforcement, mentoring, and community engagement — they are distinct from school security aides, who are unarmed DCPS employees.
The MPD Youth and Family Services Division oversees the SRO program and coordinates assignments across DCPS schools. Not every DC public school has a dedicated SRO — placement is prioritized based on school size, enrollment, and safety needs.
DC School Safety Quick Contacts
- Emergency: 911
- DCPS Safety Tip Line (confidential): 1-800-673-6630
- MPD Youth & Family Services Division: (202) 727-9099
- DCPS Office of the Chief of Safety: dcps.dc.gov/page/school-safety
School Police vs. School Security Aides
| Role | Employer | Armed? | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Resource Officer (SRO) | Metropolitan Police Department | Yes | Full law enforcement |
| School Security Aide | DC Public Schools (DCPS) | No | Campus security only |
| Charter School Security Guard | Individual charter school | No | Campus security only |
DC School Safety Tip Line
DCPS operates a confidential School Safety Tip Line at 1-800-673-6630. Students, parents, and staff can report threats, weapons, bullying, or other safety concerns anonymously. The tip line is available 24 hours a day. Tips are reviewed by the DCPS Office of the Chief of Safety and escalated to MPD when warranted.
Do Charter Schools Have School Police in DC?
DC public charter schools are not part of the DCPS SRO program. Each charter school manages its own campus security, typically through contracted unarmed security services. Charter schools may coordinate with their local MPD district unit but do not have MPD officers assigned directly to their campuses through the city program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do DC public schools have police officers?
Yes. Washington DC public schools are served by School Resource Officers (SROs) — sworn Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers assigned full-time to individual schools. SROs are distinct from school security aides, who are unarmed DCPS employees. Not every DC school has a dedicated SRO; assignment is prioritized based on school size and safety needs.
What is the DC school safety tip line?
DCPS operates a confidential School Safety Tip Line at 1-800-673-6630. Students, parents, and community members can report safety concerns anonymously. Tips can also be submitted online through the DCPS website.
Who oversees school safety in DC public schools?
DCPS school safety is managed by the Office of the Chief of Safety (OCS) within DC Public Schools, in coordination with the Metropolitan Police Department. The MPD Youth and Family Services Division oversees the SRO program citywide.
Do DC charter schools have school resource officers?
Public charter schools in DC are not part of the DCPS SRO program. Charter schools arrange their own security — typically unarmed security guards — and may coordinate with local MPD district units but do not have dedicated SROs assigned by the city.
How do I report a school safety concern in DC?
For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency school safety concerns: call the DCPS tip line at 1-800-673-6630 (confidential), contact the school principal directly, or reach the MPD Youth and Family Services Division at (202) 727-9099.
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