When a youth is arrested or cited Officer Randolph visits the family prior to the court date to explain to parents the circumstances of the action and what can be expected.“Sadly, with budgets throughout the state,” being slashed the program has not yet been restarted this year, noted Officer Randolph.He told the council that he has partnered with SPPD Sgt. Gary Marshall to find grant funding to again revive the program.“Some of the best kids are here in Santa Paula,” and Officer Randolph has interacted with many since he joined the SPPD about nine years ago.SPPD Officer Jimmy Fogata was also nominated for a SRO award; he along with Chief Gonzales attended the Phoenix-based awards ceremony.Officer Randolph presented the council with the Regional SRO Excellence award he received.“I want to commend Rich for the wonderful job you do, your enthusiasm is extraordinary,” said Councilman John Procter, who had taken part in the award ceremony for “our students who do good things...”“We miss Rich on campus,” SPUHS Human Services Academy chairperson Jill Gregory told the council. “He’s an invaluable resource for security and administrators,” and students are comfortable with approaching him.“The rapport he has is outstanding; he’s always one step ahead of the students,” and is proactive in working with students before they get into trouble.Gregory noted that Officer Randolph addresses classes about his background and what is required to pursue a law enforcement career and “talks about goal-setting. Rich is an essential part of SPUHS and the Santa Paula community at large. We want to thank him for being part of our little community at the high school.”
SPPD Randolph: SPUHS SRO Randolph honored by national association
November 03, 2004
Santa Paula Police Department
Santa Paula Police Reserve Officer Rich Randolph, founder of the nationally replicated award-winning Cops ‘n’ Jocks program, has received yet another honor, this time for Outstanding Service from the National Association of School Resource Officers (SRO).
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSanta Paula Police Reserve Officer Rich Randolph, founder of the nationally replicated award-winning Cops ‘n’ Jocks program, has received yet another honor, this time for Outstanding Service from the National Association of School Resource Officers (SRO).Officer Randolph, who was one in only six SRO’s recognized nationally, updated the City Council on the School Resource Officer program at the Sept. 27 meeting.The latest award is just one of the six Officer Randolph has earned Chief Bob Gonzales told the council.Officer Randolph said that the School Resource Officer program - dormant from 1997 until 2003 - was revived by Santa Paula Union High School.“We went above and beyond serving students, parents and school staff,” to reduce expulsions, getting to the bottom of truancy and ensuring that family counseling services are locally available including anger management classes.Officer Randolph, in cooperation with other agencies, also monitors youths who have trouble with the law and encouraged students to become involved in programs ranging from graffiti paint-outs to Citrus Festival cleanup.After school Officer Randolph has made “countless visits to area businesses,” to help find jobs for area youth and he noted that area business operators have been receptive.Awards are created for youth to reward them for their efforts and to encourage others to become law-abiding, constructive citizens.Officer Randolph has shown up on the doorstep of parents whose child is planning a big party or is having trouble in school but “but not all my visits are negative,” and can be related to follow-up on a job opportunity.