South Salt Lake’s Student Resource Officers are crucial to the community, bridging the gap between law enforcement and education. SROs Amanda Johnson and David Wirthlin serve as mentors, protectors, allies and trusted figures that students can come to for help or guidance. 

Johnson has served with the SSL Police Department for seven years. She is responsible for teaching the city’s fifth-grade students the NOVA program, helping them develop nurturing habits, recognize good opportunities in life, expand values and create accountability. 

“I chose to work with children and at the schools because I feel it is the most rewarding,” Johnson said. “I have also spent a large part of my career and personal life working with kids.”

Along with teaching elementary students, Johnson also serves as the SRO at Granite Park Jr. High School where she is responsible for student and staff safety. She is involved with community outreach events like Night Out Against Crime, summer camps for NOVA graduates, sporting events and after-school activities. 

As schools navigate complex social and safety challenges, the role of SROs remains an important topic for educators, parents and policymakers. Students play a big role in reporting safety concerns and are ultimately the ones who know what’s happening in their school and can help prevent a situation from escalating.  

“I encourage [students] to come forward by building good relationships with the kids so they feel safe coming to me and talking to me,” Johnson said. “I also make it easy to talk to me and to be anonymous to fellow students. I am there and engage with and talk to kids in the hallways and at lunch. I go to their games, I pull them in and just talk to them randomly about how they are, and what is going on with them. I talk to them about things they are interested in. 

“I notice if they are not acting like themselves and will acknowledge their feelings. I let them know I, above all else, have their safety in mind. The kids I work with are people, who are very smart, and all of them are capable of great things and should be treated as such…I do not use my authority unless needed and the kids know that and respect me for this.”

Johnson prioritizes mentorship and community engagement over her role as law enforcement when working with students. She said the students know she will enforce laws when needed, and that she’ll be fair, but Johnson ultimately wants to work with them and their families to ensure the best outcome for them to help them lead a successful life. 

As a certified SRO, Johnson is trained through NOVA to work with students and takes continual training opportunities throughout the year geared toward goals like effective communication, making good life choices and accepting accountability. 

SSL Police Chief Danielle Croyle said SROs play a critical role in maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. 

“Their presence not only helps deter crime and respond to emergencies, but they serve as mentors and positive role models, fostering strong relationships with students,” Croyle said. “SROs contribute to the overall well-being of the school community and are invaluable members of the educational landscape.” λ