Meet MPD’s 2025–26 School Resource Officers
Published on July 17, 2025
As Maricopa gears up for the first day of school, excitement is building; not just for new classes and classmates, but for the return of the familiar, friendly faces that help keep our campuses safe. The Maricopa Police Department’s School Resource Officers (SROs) are ready for another year.
“This team is committed to making sure every student feels seen, safe, and supported,” said Sergeant Pamela O’Neal, who oversees the SRO Unit. “We’re here to build meaningful connections, reinforce positive choices, and be a resource for both students and staff.”
Throughout the school year, SROs will teach Law-Related Education (LRE) classes, support students in crisis, and collaborate with school counselors and administrators. They’ll be the first to say hello in the morning and the last to make sure the campus is clear and safe at the end of the day.
Below, meet the officers assigned to your student’s campus for the 2025–26 school year and hear why they love being school resource officers.
Officer Adam Abel
School Resource Officer, Maricopa Wells Middle School
Q: What are you most excited for this school year?
Officer Abel: Just a new kid coming in from elementary to grade—seeing how they're doing. And then, of course, returning students that are coming in. Some teachers, new admin staff… but just getting back into it and helping the kids.
Q: Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for new incoming students?
Officer Abel: Try to be yourself. Don't worry about what other people think. Try to make your parents proud. Focus on your work. Try to make the right choices, and you'll be fine.
Q: What do you love about being a School Resource Officer?
Officer Abel: Interacting with the students, seeing them grow. Being able to possibly change someone’s life—a kid that might be going the wrong route and then being able to redirect them. And also, just helping them get good grades, supporting the teachers, and the community.
Office Jamie McCauley
School Resource Officer, Maricopa High School
Q: What are you most excited about this school year?
Officer McCauley:I’m really excited to watch the juniors I got close with last year graduate as seniors this year.
Q: What’s some word of wisdom or advice for new incoming freshmen?
Officer McCauley:First thing I can tell them is—don’t try to hide in the bathrooms, because you’re not going to get away with it.
Q: What do you love about being a School Resource Officer?
Officer McCauley:I just love being here with all the kids and watching them grow—from shy little freshmen into very outspoken, fun upperclassmen.
Q: Do you share any fun facts or icebreakers with students?
Officer McCauley:Yes! I always tell the students: I may be a School Resource Officer, but I’m also a certified pastry chef. And yes, I do bring treats to school.
Officer Lisa Castillo
School Resource Officer, Desert Winds Middle School (First year as an SRO)
Q: What are you most excited about this school year?
Officer Castillo:I’m excited for a new opportunity to work with the community in a different way than when I was on patrol. Working with the kids, mentoring them, building rapport—not only with the students and staff, but with the public in general.
Q: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for new kids coming to school?
Officer Castillo:Don’t be afraid to walk up to me. We’re not just here for emergencies, we’re here to mentor, to listen, to support. We’re friendly too! Just because the uniform might seem intimidating, we’re still approachable. So come say hi!
Q: What made you want to become a School Resource Officer?
Officer Castillo:I’m good with kids and I like giving them back at the end of the day! But really, I enjoy mentoring and getting down to their level. I’m looking forward to that part the most.
Q: What’s your favorite school memory from when you were a kid?
Officer Castillo:In high school, I was the school mascot—and that was fun! I got to wear the costume, and nobody knew who I was, so I could act however I wanted.
Officer Zak Bittner
School Resource Officer, Desert Sunrise High School
Q: What are you most excited about this school year?
Officer Bittner:I’m most excited about getting to know new students. I always love seeing new faces and getting to know them. I’m also really looking forward to the new sports season—I love going to watch students play and being there as a support system to encourage and cheer them on.
Q: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for students starting the school year?
Officer Bittner:Just be yourself. Be open to trying new things, learning, and meeting new people. Get to know your teachers, staff—and me! We’re all here to help you. It’s going to be a challenging four years, but you’ll get through it and move on. Just be yourself and try your best.
Q: What do you like about being a School Resource Officer?
Officer Bittner:I love coming to school and supporting students—whether they’re facing something new, something tough, or just need a friendly face. I really value the relationships you build as an SRO; they can last forever.
Q: Do you have any fun facts or ways you break the ice with students?
Officer Bittner:I usually break the ice by talking about food. You get to know people during lunch hours—so I might tease students a little about what they’re eating. I’ll joke that I don’t like pickles or mayonnaise—it’s just a light way to start a conversation and get to know them.
Officer Matt Rexinger
School Resource Officer, Sequoia Pathway Academy
Q: What are you most excited about this school year?
Officer Rexinger:It’s a combination of two things. I’m excited that this will be my fifth school year at Sequoia—and it’ll likely be my last. I’m looking to retire at the end of this year, so I want to make the most of it.
Q: What advice or words of wisdom do you have for students?
Officer Rexinger:Work hard, pay attention, and have fun.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a School Resource Officer?
Officer Rexinger:The interaction with the kids. Watching them grow and develop over the years. Some of the students I’ve seen come and go—I see them now as young adults, and they’ll come back and say hi. Every now and then, someone will point out something I said or did that made an impact on them. That always makes me proud to do this job.