When Lyon County students return to classrooms on Thursday of next week, they will be heading back under a school safety policy that puts School Resource Officers in a more active role while emphasizing relationships with students.
According to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office in an online post, School Resource Officers will continue operating under a zero-tolerance policy established in partnership with the Lyon County School District in 2023.
The Sheriff's Office said it does not consider schools a sanctuary for criminal activity and noted that, before 2023, crimes committed on school grounds rarely received a law enforcement response.
Since the policy was established, the office said it has taken a more active role in suppressing crime at schools while maintaining positive relationships with students. The office said the number of students who have reached out about positive relationships with School Resource Officers has been outstanding.
The Sheriff's Office said those relationships help break down barriers between young people and law enforcement, leading to safer communities and a more positive learning environment.
As the new school year approaches, the office is also reminding families and drivers about safety around school buses, sidewalks, bicycles and school zones.
Drivers must stop in both directions when a school bus displays red flashing lights and has its stop sign extended. Children should stay at least 10 feet, or about three giant steps, away from a bus while waiting and when getting on or off.
If children need to cross the street near a bus, they should walk about 10 feet in front of the bus and make eye contact with the driver first.
Children walking to school should use available sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, they should walk facing traffic. Bicyclists should wear correctly fitted helmets and ride on the right side of the road in a single file, traveling in the same direction as traffic.
Drivers in school zones are being reminded to slow down and obey reduced speed limits, where speeding fines are often doubled. They should also put away their phones and avoid texting or calling while navigating school drop-off and pickup areas.
Drivers should yield to crossing guards and watch for children near crosswalks.
The Sheriff's Traffic Enforcement Team will conduct operations in school zones during the school year. Several operations are planned to focus on school bus safety and ensuring drivers stop for school buses.
The Sheriff's Office said it is looking forward to a safe school year.
(Lyon County Sheriff's Office contributed to this story.)
