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The El Paso Police Department's School Resource Program was implemented in 1977 through
1981; it was modeled after an SRO Program in Tucson, Arizona. The old SO program is now called
the School-Based Law Enforcement Program/SBLE program. In 2007, a Memorandum of
Understanding between the El Paso Police Department and the Ysleta Independent School
District was implemented, in which Off-duty EPPD Officers could work on a voluntary basis at
YISD high school campuses as SRO/SBLE Officers. The SBLE Officers also respond to calls for
service at the middle, elementary, and pre-k schools. SBLE officers cover 55 schools throughout the
Ysleta Independent School District. These officers work an 8-hour shift.
The School-Based Law Enforcement Program is an important and effective program in keeping
our children and community safe. SBLE Officers are a contributing factor in the reduction of
school crime, such as assaults, thefts, and vandalism. The primary function of the SBLE officer is
to ensure the safety of the students, teachers, and school administrators and to enforce the law.
SBLE officers are required to generate police reports, make lawful arrests, and issue citations
when necessary or required. SBLE officers are also tasked with mentoring students, meeting with
parents, teachers, and school administrators. SBLE Officers also do presentations such as bullying,
anti-drug use, hazing, and anti-gang violence. These presentations are conducted at high
schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. SBLE officers work in partnership with the YISD
School Security. SBLE Officers are also there to provide law enforcement information and
guidance to students, parents, and school administrators when needed.
