The Traverse City Police Department begin the School Resource Officer program in 1982 in partnership with Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS). After a four year hiatus, the department re-established its SRO program in August 2023. This partnership assigned a Traverse City Police Officer to Traverse City Central High School (www.tcaps.net) and other schools within the City limits.
Officer Justin Nowland has was selected for the role of SRO in 2023 and is currently assigned to Traverse City Central High School. Officer Nowland may be reached at (231) 933-6590. When school is not in session, Officer Nowland is assigned to the Patrol Division performing various directed patrols.
In 2014, the police department expanded its SRO program by partnering with Northwest Education Services (NWEd). This partnership assigned a Traverse City Police Officer to the NWEd Career Tech Center (www.northwested.org) and surrounding NWEd schools.
Officer Jennilyn Oster is currently assigned to the NWEd Career Tech Center and has been a School Resource Officer since 2016. Officer Oster may be reached at (231) 922-6422. When school is not in session, Officer Oster is assigned to the Patrol Division performing various directed patrols.
The SRO is responsible for all follow-up and self-initiated investigations occurring within their perspective schools that are within the city limits of Traverse City. During the school year, they work out of the schools and work directly with administrators, faculty, support staff, parents, and students. The SROs attend school-related meetings, give presentations on various topics, conduct periodic school safety checks, supervise and train school safety crossing guards and recommend safety procedures, and consult on policies changes concerning safety issues.
The SRO’s goal is to establish collaboration between the school and the police in preventing crime. They also help create a better understanding between school officials, the police, parents, and the students to create the safest educational environment possible.