Sheriff Hassinger created the School Resource Officer program at the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year. The Sheriff chose one deputy from the Patrol Division, Deputy Robert Locher, to be stationed at, and to work with, the Buckeye Local School District. At the beginning of the 2004-2005 school year, a second School Resource Officer, Deputy Douglas Clinage, was added to the program, and was stationed at the Black River Local School District. Both SRO's have their offices in the high schools of each district, but routinely patrol and interact with students at the junior high and elementary schools.

    The SRO's have several duties at their schools, but their primary objectives are to protect the school, staff and students, prevent drug and alcohol abuse, and to prevent juvenile delinquency through close contact with students and school personnel. The SRO's investigate delinquent acts within the school system and crimes within the community that are school related. The SRO's are also responsible to improve the image of the uniformed law enforcement officer in the eyes of the students and community.

   Deputy Locher gives monthly presentations to sixth grade students at the elementary schools. His presentations cover the topics of bullying, internet safety and how to protect yourself from preditors online, alcohol and drug abuse, the dangers of underage drinking, the dangers of smoking, the dangers of inhalants, and the consequences of making bad decisions. Deputy Locher also talks with all the students in the junior high and high school about internet safety and underage drinking. At a teacher's request, both SRO's talk to individual classes on law related topics that have to do with what the students are currently learning in class.

    This school year has seen an increase in sexual harassment and misconduct complaints. Due to the rise of complaints, Deputy Locher spoke to all junior high and high school students about the laws covering sexual assaults and what is considered inappropriate behavior. Thefts at both school districts continue to be a problem, mostly due to victims not securing their personal property or forgetting it in highly traveled areas of the schools. Students are routinely reminded by the school staff to keep their property locked in their lockers or inside their vehicles.

    A large portion of the School Resource Officer and D.A.R.E. programs of the Medina County Sheriff's Office are funded by the Medina County Drug Abuse Commission (MCDAC / Anti-Drug Levy). The MCDAC / Anti-Drug Levy is a levy voted on by Medina County residents every five (5) years.