Happy second week of school!  Let’s get to know your SRO, Deputy Peterson.

This year, Mesa County Sheriff's Office Deputy Phillip Peterson will walk the hallways of Central High School. Deputy Peterson has been a School Resource Officer (SRO) for 1.5 years and became an SRO to see a different side of law enforcement. He says, “The best part is being part of non-law enforcement-related activities with staff and students, such as helping with assemblies or teaching a class to students.”

As an SRO, Deputy Peterson enjoys building relationships with the students of Mesa County and ensuring their safety. “Even though I have to charge students at times for their actions, I do care about what happens to them,” says Deputy Peterson. He encourages students to “always do what you know is right. Don’t let yourself be led down the wrong path, especially when you can feel it is the wrong path.”

Deputy Peterson says the most common issues he faces at Central High School are fights, drug usage, alcohol usage, and theft. He frequently fields questions from staff about the law, what is legal versus illegal, and school safety and security.

Deputy Peterson is looking forward to getting to know the students and staff of Central High School.