Meet MPD’s 2024-25 School Resource Officers

Published on August 14, 2024

Collage of officers at Maricopa schools: Desert Sunrise, Maricopa High, and others, captioned

As Maricopa gets settled into the routine of a new school, there’s plenty of excitement about new classes and friends—but also about the return of our dedicated School Resource Officers (SROs). These officers are much more than just a uniformed presence; they're mentors, confidants, and champions of safety in our schools.

“This school year presents an opportunity for growth and connection. Our SROs are dedicated to not only ensuring safety but also creating an environment where students can dream big and pursue their goals with confidence, knowing we’re here for them every step of the way,” says Sergeant Pamela O’Neal, who oversees the SRO Unit.

Below, you will have the chance to learn a bit more about the officers who make up the SRO unit and hear more about what they are looking forward to this year.

In addition, we have created a resource page to connect with the officer assigned at your student’s school or to learn more about the training they receive each year. You can find that information at www.maricopa-az.gov/SRO

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Security officer standing confidently beside the

SRO Adam Abel

School: Maricopa Wells Middle School

Years as an Officer:
16 Years.

Did you always want to be a police officer?
I considered working in the computer tech field or becoming an officer.

What does a typical day look like as an SRO?
The day starts with monitoring traffic from parents dropping off kids and then monitoring the kids while they wait for school to start. I then meet with students one-on-one as needed. On occasion, I teach a class related to some sort of law enforcement or anti-drug/bullying. A big part of my day is interacting with students and teachers and building connections.

What are you looking forward to most about this school year?
I am excited about the opportunity to impact students' future career choices and life decisions.

Do you have any words of encouragement for students this year?
School can be tough. You have to do well by your teacher’s standards, keep your grades up, maintain friendships, and make your parents proud. That can be a lot, but it’s important to know that no matter how bad it can get at times, those times will end, there will be good times again, and there is someone who will always be proud of you and will always want to see you succeed.

A person in uniform stands beside a sign reading

SRO Zak Bittner

School: Desert Sunrise High School

Years as an Officer:
I have served in law enforcement for 5 years now, previously serving in Illinois before the Maricopa PD.

Did you always want to be a police officer?
I originally wanted to enlist in the Army after high school and had goals of serving the community in some manner, but after some career changes, I was given the opportunity to serve in Law Enforcement and found it to be extremely rewarding.

What does a typical day look like as an SRO?
Once I gear up and arrive at the school, I normally greet as many staff and students as possible as the day begins and monitor the activity around campus. Throughout the day, I follow up on past cases, communicate with school staff, and monitor the campus for safety purposes. I also continue to plan lessons as much as possible regarding law-related education and monitor both the school and department radio channels for emergent situations.

What are you looking forward to most about this school year?
I am looking forward to training security and school staff on safety, implementing law enforcement education within the classroom, and watching the first DSHS senior class graduate in May!

Do you have any words of encouragement for students this year?
Begin thinking about what you’d like to do for a career once you graduate - high school will go by fast!

SRO Brian Brown

School: Desert Winds Middle School

Years as an Officer:
19. I also spent 9 years as a Detective and the last 3 three as an SRO.

Did you always want to be a police officer?
I was raised in a military home and joined the Navy but retired from the Army National Guard. I've always had the mindset of protection as a job, so the police was the next logical level.

What does a typical day look like as an SRO?
As a Cop, that is probably the most challenging question ever. When you come to work, you never know what the day is going to end like. So, to be honest, there is no typical day except for going home safely.

What are you looking forward to most about this school year?
After 19 years of this job, it's refreshing to talk with young people before bad things happen and even help prevent bad things from happening.

Do you have any words of encouragement for students this year?
Life may be hard at times, but just know it will get better.

A police officer stands outside Maricopa High School's administration building, next to a ram statue. The sky is partly cloudy, and the mood is welcoming.

SRO Jamie McCauley

School: Maricopa High School

Years as an Officer:
I just entered my 6th year in policing. Before Maricopa, I was a police officer in North Carolina.

Did you always want to be a police officer?
Originally, no! I wanted to be a vet, but I realized that I enjoy helping people and ensuring their safety.

What does a typical day look like as an SRO?
When I arrive on campus, the first thing I do is monitor traffic for student drop-off. Then, I walk around campus, helping students get to classes and conversing with the students and staff. I walk around during every passing period to deter students from skipping classes before I end my day by monitoring traffic leaving the school. The main goal is to build connections with students and encourage them to do their best, all while making safety at school a priority.

What are you looking forward to most about this school year?
I’m most looking forward to getting to know the students more, watching all of the sporting events, and seeing the seniors graduate.

Do you have any words of encouragement for students this year?
I know there are many students who don’t have anybody rooting for them to succeed. I want them to know that I am, and I know each and every one of them is capable of achieving great things!

Security officer in uniform stands smiling beside a school sign featuring a fierce purple and yellow puma mascot, with clear blue sky in background.

SRO Matt Rexinger

School: Sequoia Pathway

Years as an Officer:
17 years with MPD. 22 years total.

Did you always want to be a police officer?
I wanted to be an architect out of high school and started college as an architect major. While in school, I had a roommate who became a police officer, and I started doing ride-alongs with him. That’s when I knew what I wanted to do in life.

What does a typical day look like as an SRO?
I usually arrive at school before 7:30 A.M. to get ready for the day. Once the gates open, I greet the students as they arrive. I spend the rest of my day in and out of classes, teaching various topics and meeting with students who want to talk about anything they’d like. I also check the campus for any safety issues or concerns. At the end of the school day, I wrap up my day back at the police headquarters.

What are you looking forward to most about this school year?
I am excited to watch the students grow and mature along their path to becoming young adults.

Do you have any words of encouragement for students this year?
Stay focused, prioritize your responsibilities, and have fun.