SRO programs boast four main benefits: (1) they reduce the workload of patrol officers; (2) they improve juveniles’ perceptions of officers; (3) they create and maintain positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and schools; and (4) they enhance the agency’s reputation in the community. SRO programs also increase the efficiency of law enforcement by placing an officer in schools instead of relying on patrol officers to respond to school complaints. Generally, schools express an interest in developing an SRO program and then negotiate with law enforcement agencies on sharing the costs. Costs for an SRO program vary depending on the size of the program, although costs generally range between $80,000 for a 1 officer program to $2.4 million for a large program with over 20 officers. Law enforcement agencies have typically used three main arguments to encourage school districts to contribute funding for SRO programs: (1) improved school safety; (2) increased perception of school safety; and (3) quick response time to problems. Local and Federal governments can also provide funding for SRO programs, particularly through their roles of funding school districts and law enforcement agencies. Innovative approaches to funding SRO programs are also considered, such as through fund-raising events, private organizations, and donations of money or materials. Advice is presented for maintaining funding once the program has been developed; advice includes leveraging the support of parents in lobbying school administrators and reducing other school budgets in other areas. Endnotes