Martin Knaul is breaking down the barriers between youth and police officers.
A 19-year member of the Baldwinsville Police Department, Officer Knaul has served five of those years as the school resource officer at Baker High School, a position he sought out and obtained after receiving detailed training.
The Baldwinsville Messenger recently caught up with Officer Knaul to learn more about his position as an SRO and how his presence benefits students.
What are your duties?
My essential duty at the school is to provide a safe learning environment for the students, teachers and staff members. There is nothing more important to us than our children and I want to provide them with a safe environment in the school and be a resource for them if they need assistance. I assist the school district in formulating plans to protect the students and staff from outside threats and also to assist in resolving criminal acts and issues amongst the students within the school.
What is a typical day?
In my career in law enforcement and as an SRO, it is tough to relay a “typical day” as every day has different issues and challenges. Part of my duties are to be visible in the halls and also in the cafeterias during the lunch times. I do presentations in several classes in regards to law enforcement and the different areas of training and knowledge I have received in my career. I assist the principals of the schools in attempting to resolve issues/harassment/bullying that occur between the students and conduct investigations into any criminal activity that occurs in the building and school grounds. I meet with students for numerous reasons involving issues at school or outside of school and provide them with information, assistance or resources to help address those problems.
How does your presence improve the learning environment?
I believe that my position has a very positive impact on students. I perform my duties in the school in my duty uniform and, with my constant interaction with students, I believe it breaks down some of the stereotypes and opinions that students have of police officers. They get to know me as a person, not just as a police officer, and I believe that allows them to feel more comfortable in approaching and dealing with police officers.
I try to stress that I am there as a resource for them and that they can approach me at any time to discuss any concerns or issues they are dealing with. Some students within the district have very difficult lives and issues and I want to provide any assistance that I can so that they can be successful at school and in their future lives. When the students feel safe and secure within the school, it provides a better learning environment as they are better able to focus on their studies with less outside distractions.
What is your relationship with most students?
I feel I have a very good relationship with the students in the school, but, to be honest, they would be the better person to ask to obtain the answer to that question. I enjoy my interaction with the students and it is one of the best parts of my position here. I have always stressed to the students that I am here for them, that if I have to deal with them on a criminal matter, that I have to do what is required of me as a police officer, but that it’s not personal and I will be there to assist them in any way that I can in the future.
Many districts have had to eliminate school resource officers from budgets due to cuts and, before funding was restored, Baldwinsville went from having two SROs last year to only one this year. In your opinion, how does this tough decision impact the learning environment?
SROs provide a safer environment for staff and students, which improves the learning environment. The Baldwinsville School District has always strived to maintain the SRO program and maximize its use within the district. For the last several years, the district has been able to maintain two SROs. Currently, I am stationed at Baker High School as the SRO there and for any of the schools located within the boundaries of the village. Deputy Michael Nord of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office is stationed at Durgee Jr. High and assists the district schools located outside the village of Baldwinsville.
What do you like about your position?
I truly like everything about my position. The school district is very supportive of the program and makes us an integral part of the district. The administration and staff at Baker High School have made my transition into the school atmosphere very easy and the focus has always been on how we can improve the learning atmosphere within the school for the students and limit the distractions. Most importantly I really enjoy the interaction with the students; it has truly been the best part of my position at the school.
What do you do during the summer months?
I return to road patrol for the Village of Baldwinsville then return to the school upon the beginning of the school year.
Erin Wisneski is the editor of the Baldwinsville Messenger. Contact her at [email protected].
