Jacksonville Police Department

In August of 2000, the Jacksonville Police Department assigned a full time officer to the Jacksonville School District as a School Resource Officer.  This officer, Ptl. David Melbourne, works primarily at Jacksonville High School as well as assisting at Turner Junior High.  The School Resource Officer, or S.R.O. program is the next step in Community Oriented Policing.  The SRO is an asset used by the community and the school in an attempt to address situations in the lives of student in a manner other than the judicial system.  The School Resource Officer program is a nationally accepted program involving the placement of a law enforcement officer in an educational environment.  The officer is involved in a variety of functions while in the school aimed at prevention.  In addition to being an active high profile law enforcement officer, Ptl. Melbourne is a resource for students, parents, teachers, and administration regarding law issues. 

Another duty for Ptl. Melbourne is being a link to other service agencies who provide preventative and counseling services within the school district.  Working hand-in-hand with the principal in each school, Ptl. Melbourne assists with finding solutions to problems afflicting today's school age children.  Ptl. Melbourne has a proactive approach to deal with the pressures that today's youth finds itself having to confront.  These issues include the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, along with peer pressure, gang activity, and sex.  These situations are not only in the schools, but in the community as well.

Before coming to work for Jacksonville Police Department, Ptl. Dave Melbourne, served with the Henry County Sheriff's Office for 15 years.  Ptl. Melbourne is certified in the following areas:  Breath Alcohol Operator, Firearms Range Instructor, Reid Interview Certified, Certified Juvenile Officer, Accident Reconstructionist, School Resource Certification, Emergency Response Team, Police Cyclist, and has attended many courses on dealing with juveniles and problems in today's school systems.