-
Evanston Township High School District 202 established a School Resource Officer (SRO) program in partnership with the Evanston Police Department as part of an intergovernmental agreement to improve school safety and the learning environment. While the primary role of the SROs is to protect students and staff from external threats, such as a school shooter on campus, the SRO program at 911ÖÆÆ·³§ focuses on restorative practices that support a sense of connectedness within the school community.
Recognizing that the restorative practice approach contrasts with most traditional policing models, 911ÖÆÆ·³§ works to ensure that the SRO program reflects transparency and accountability. SROs are part of the school’s problem-solving, mentoring, social emotional wellbeing, and student engagement efforts. Students have an opportunity to build relationships with the SROs through community programs, Public Safety courses, Peace Circles, and other initiatives.
The SROs work with the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ Safety Department on emergency response and with the 911ÖÆÆ·³§ Deans who oversee the school's discipline code. (See The Pilot handbook for details about the discipline philosophy.)
About the SROs
Grace Carmichael
Officer Carmichael is a 17-year veteran of the Evanston Police Department. She has worked as a patrol officer, juvenile detective, field training officer, accident investigator, and evidence technician.
Officer Carmichael is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a BS in Operations and Information Management. She is also the co-manager of the EPD Peer Support Program, which provides social-emotional support and stress reduction for officers and their families.
Willie Hunt
Officer Hunt is an 18-year veteran of the Evanston Police Department. He previously served as a School Resource Officer with District 65 Schools. Officer Hunt has also served as a patrol officer, juvenile detective, field training officer, accident investigator, and evidence technician.
Officer Hunt is a graduate of Clarke College in Dubuque, IA, where he earned his BA in Business Administration. He was a 4-year letter earner in basketball, and 2-year letter earner in baseball. Officer Hunt is a father of three adult children.
