Our SRO Spotlight is on SETH PARTAIN
Seth Partain is a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO) with the Greenland School District Police Department, bringing a decade of experience in law enforcement to his role. From the start of his career, Seth knew he wanted to be an SRO, seeing it as a meaningful way to give back to his community by mentoring and guiding students. Serving in the very school district where he grew up has been especially rewarding for him.
Seth is passionate about making a positive impact on students’ lives, whether through simple daily interactions or by breaking down barriers when they need support the most. His commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment is evident through his involvement in programs like “CREATE change,” which empowers students to address pressing issues in their school.
Law Enforcement Agency:
Greenland School District Police Department
How long have you worked in law enforcement?
10 years
Why did you become an SRO?
I quickly decided when I began in Law Enforcement that I wanted to be an SRO. It was always the best way that I could see myself giving back to the community by helping guide and mentor the students in our district. I have been lucky enough to serve in the school district from which I graduated and it has been an extremely rewarding experience up to this point.
What school/school district do you currently serve?
Greenland School District
What do you find most challenging about working on a school campus?
The most challenging part of working on a school campus for me would have to be when the students are struggling with personal matters. As SROs, we have a heart for our kids and want to help them with anything and everything we can. Unfortunately, some of our students have endured more than any child ever should. We try everything that we can think of to get through and it still feels like you are pushing against a brick wall sometimes. Breaking down these barriers can be challenging at times, but the positive impact you can make once you break through is tremendous.
What do you find most rewarding about working on a school campus?
The most rewarding aspect of working on a school campus is, and always will be, how we can impact the kids. We are in an interesting position where we have the opportunity every day to change a kid’s life for the better. The interactions that we have with our students can often make more of a positive impact than we realize. It can be as simple as a morning greeting or as complex as participating in the events at a pep rally. No matter what it may be, many of our students need an impactful role model that can help guide them through life and even the smallest of kind acts can contribute to that.
What has surprised you the most about working with kids?
How open they can be. Where some students can be closed off, many of them will tell you their life story the first time you meet them. Many times, the information you are looking for presents itself before you even ask.
Are there any programs/techniques that you feel have been helpful and effective in creating a safe learning environment?
We make an effort daily to be present with the kids as much as we are able to. I feel that as simple as visual presence and consistent interactions are, they make a huge impact in building lasting relationships with the students. We have also implemented a “CREATE change” program in our High School that is facilitated through ARISA Health. This program empowers students to raise awareness on current issues that they are seeing in the school and conduct student-led presentations and initiatives to combat them.
What advice would you give to a first-year SRO?
I would recommend to any first year SRO to take every opportunity you can to learn. When dealing with the kids, nothing is linear and every situation is going to be addressed differently. Be present, involved, and intentional with your actions to help put as many tools in your “tool belt” as you can.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren’t working?
I love to spend my free time with my wife and two kids. It seems like we are always at a sporting event, but when not there, we love to go to the lake and go camping for the weekend.
If you weren’t a police officer, what would you be doing instead?
If I were not a Police Officer, I would be a baseball coach. I have loved baseball as long as I can remember and currently coach local little league teams and co-coordinate Greenland’s summer league teams, which ranges from T-ball to 14U Baseball and Softball. I love being around the sport and getting to help the kids progress.
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.