Our SRO Spotlight is on NICHOLAS DEAN
Our SRO Spotlight is on Nicholas Dean of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, who proudly serves the Sloan-Hendrix Public School District.
With 16 years of law enforcement experience and a deep-rooted passion for working with youth, Deputy Dean brings both professionalism and heart to his role on campus. He began his career with the Jonesboro Police Department before returning to serve his home community, where he felt a true calling to support students and families. From building trusting relationships with students to serving as a positive role model and mentor, Deputy Dean is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive—both inside and outside the classroom.
What school/school district do you currently serve?
Sloan-Hendrix Public Schools
How long have you worked in law enforcement? I have sixteen years of experience in law enforcement. I began my career with the Jonesboro Police Department in 2009, where I served for seven years. During my tenure at Jonesboro, I worked as a Patrol Officer and concluded my service as an Investigator with the Prowl Unit. In 2016, I transitioned to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, where I served as a School Resource Officer assigned to the Sloan-Hendrix Public School District.
Why did you become a SRO? I became a School Resource Officer because I have always had a strong passion for working with youth. Long before my career in law enforcement, I was actively involved with youth baseball programs and church youth groups, which allowed me to build meaningful relationships with young people in my community. After serving seven years with the Jonesboro Police Department, I was approached by the Superintendent of Sloan-Hendrix Public Schools and asked to consider the opportunity to serve as the School Resource Officer for the district. Although I was still deeply committed to my role in Jonesboro, I carefully and prayerfully considered the opportunity and ultimately felt it was a calling to serve the students and parents of my home community.
What do you find most challenging about working on a school campus? One of the most challenging aspects of working on a school campus is finding the right balance between maintaining safety and building trust with students. As a School Resource Officer, it is important to enforce laws and school policies while also being approachable and supportive. Students need to feel safe coming to me with concerns, whether they involve discipline, personal struggles, or potential safety issues. Navigating that balance requires consistency, good communication, and an understanding of adolescent behavior, but it is essential to creating a safe and positive learning environment.
What do you find most rewarding about working on a school campus? The most rewarding aspect of working on a school campus is the opportunity to serve as a positive role model for the students in my district. Many children first encounter law enforcement during difficult or negative circumstances in their own lives or within their families. As a School Resource Officer, I am afforded the unique opportunity to build positive relationships with students and work closely with those who may be struggling in various areas of their lives. Being able to support a student through challenging situations and help guide them toward positive outcomes is extremely rewarding. Over the past ten years with the district, I have been fortunate to assist many students in redirecting their lives away from negative paths and toward developing self-confidence, self-worth, and personal responsibility. Some of my most meaningful experiences have been seeing students who struggled early in their academic years later graduate and return to express their gratitude for the guidance and support that helped them reach that milestone and move forward as productive members of society.
What has surprised you the most about working with kids? What has surprised me most about working with students is the diversity of their backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking. Each child brings a unique perspective shaped by their family life, culture, and personal challenges. As a School Resource Officer, I have learned that there is no single approach that works for every student. Understanding where a child is coming from and recognizing their individual circumstances is essential to effectively communicating with them and addressing issues appropriately. This role has reinforced the importance of patience, adaptability, and empathy, and it has shown me how meaningful progress can be made when students feel understood, respected, and valued as individuals.
Are there any programs/techniques that you feel have been helpful and effective in creating a safe learning environment? Yes, there are several programs and techniques that have been helpful in creating a safe learning environment. One of the most important things is building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents. Being visible and approachable on campus helps students feel comfortable talking to me, which often allows issues to be addressed before they become bigger problems. I have also enjoyed working with high school students in the criminal justice program by doing classroom presentations on topics like safety, bullying, online behavior, and making good choices. I believe these conversations help students better understand expectations and can prevent problems before they start. Working closely with school administrators, counselors, and teachers also helps us identify students who may need extra support. By working together as a team and practicing emergency procedures, we are better prepared to handle situations and keep the school safe. Overall, these efforts help create an environment where students can focus on learning and growing.
What advice would you give to a first-year SRO? My advice to a first-year School Resource Officer would be to focus on building relationships first. Take the time to get to know students and parents. Also be approachable and trustworthy because that is more important than enforcing the rules right away. Always learn to listen and understand each student’s perspective, because every child comes from a different background and may be facing challenges you don’t see. I would also recommend working closely with school administration, counselors, and teachers. Working as a team helps you identify potential issues early and handle them in the most effective way. Finally, stay patient and adaptable. Each day will bring new situations, and being flexible while maintaining consistency will help you make a positive impact on both the students and the overall school environment.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working? When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family. Some of my favorite activities include traveling and exploring different parts of the country. I also enjoy fishing, especially the challenge of catching a big bass.
If you weren’t a police officer, what would you be doing instead? If I were not a police officer, I would likely be pursuing one of two paths: teaching mathematics and coaching basketball or baseball, or working in the construction industry.
Do you know a School Resource Officer who should be featured in our SRO Spotlight? Let us know!
Contact Mitch Regnas at [email protected] or 501-570-8036.