Resource Officer Unit

The Lakeland Police Department Resource Officer Unit (ROU) is comprised of 1 Lieutenant, 2 Sergeants and 13 Resource Officers. Our officers are in school’s full time providing law enforcement services along with serving as mentors, counselors, and role models. They continuously work on building trust between law enforcement and their schools along with friendship building but most importantly keeping the students safe. The ROU services Florida Southern College, Lakeland Christian School, Magnolia Montessori School, New Beginnings High School, and Parkway Christian Academy. The ROU works closely with the eight elementary schools within the City of Lakeland.

The ROU mission is to provide for and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive learning environment for students and staff. Our officers promote positive attitudes towards law enforcement by interacting with students and staff. The ROU is committed to their role as liaisons between the schools they service, Polk County Public Schools, and other local law enforcement agencies.

The entire ROU is trained in Crisis Intervention Team Training (CIT) and Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG). These trainings ensure that the student is priority #1 in order to classify threats with accuracy and to ensure the students get the help they need. The ROU officers are also members of the Florida Association of School Resource Officers (FASRO). FASRO is the largest school resource organization in the nation.

Sergeant Sean Finney
sean.finney@lakelandgov.net

Sergeant Justin Conatser
justin.conatser@lakelandgov.net