The Sunrise Police Department's School Resource Officer (SRO) Unit was established in 1985 to enhance students' educational opportunities by promoting a safe and secure learning environment. At the time the program was originally implemented, six officers were assigned to selected schools in the Broward County School District located inside the City of Sunrise.

The SRO program has expanded greatly in the past 20+ years, both in the resources allocated as well the program's operational components. Currently the SRO Unit serves a total of 10 schools throughout the City of Sunrise -- with 7 officers assigned to the Unit.

The program has grown beyond the initial mission of providing security on school grounds to incorporate the goal of addressing the risk factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency. This is accomplished both by enhancing the relationship between law enforcement and students, as well as through the implementation of specific prevention and intervention programs. These efforts are focused primarily on the issues of school safety, violence prevention, drug awareness, and gang resistance, and include the following programs:

Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT)
Nearly 7,500 elementary and middle school students participate in this federally-funded program each year. The program is school-based and officer-directed, and includes both classroom instruction and learning activities (e.g., student discussion, audiovisual aids, role-playing). In addition, students participate in field trips and outside presentations. The program is designed to deter juveniles from engaging in delinquent behavior, youth violence and gang-related activities.

NetSmartz
Created by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, this interactive and educational program teaches students how to stay safe on the Internet. It is a resource that is provided to all school levels, in addition to being offered to parents and teachers.

Civil Citation
Civil Citation is a diversionary program that holds youths accountable for their actions by requiring them to repair the harm caused to their victims through the use of restorative justice concepts. In place of arrest, the SRO will issue a civil citation to the juvenile who has committed a misdemeanor on or near school grounds. The program's goal is to decrease recidivism rates while at the same time diverting the youth from the criminal justice system.

Painfully Obvious
Painfully Obvious is a program that provides information regarding the effects and dangers of prescription drug abuse to middle and high school students. It focuses on the consequences of the misuse of prescription drugs, and equates it to recreational drug use by highlighting how this type of abuse can also lead to addiction and even death.

Youth Presentations
Youth presentations are a collection of safety programs designed to educate students about a variety of safety and victimization issues. Officers provide education and awareness through group presentations, often with the use of robots and puppets. Programs are conducted during the school day, after school, and at community functions.