Arturo Rosas was strolling across the campus of Watsonville High School on Wednesday, greeting students and getting acquainted with his new position as school resource officer (SRO).
A SRO is tasked with providing a measure of security for schools, but is also there to serve as a role model and to put a human face on community law enforcement.
Rosas began his career with the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, then moved to East Bay Regional Parks in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. He then spent two decades with Livermore Police Department.
It was there that he worked a variety of positions, including a stint as a SRO at a high school.
That inspired him to lead the “parent project,” for families of at-risk youth for 11 years.
Rosas said he’s glad to be back among young people after retiring from Livermore PD recently.
“Being able to come back and work directly with the kids is something I really enjoy,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to work with them in a way where they’re able to demystify the job and realize I’m a human being like they are.”
Rosas holds a bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies and History from UC Davis, a Master’s degree in Leadership from Saint Mary’s College and a PhD in Transformative Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies.
