Falls Church City Public Schools is fortunate to have the dedicated service of two School Resource Officers (SROs), Sergeant Chuquillangui and Officer Reyes, who are part of the Falls Church City Police Department (FCPD). These officers are integral members of the FCCPS community, based primarily on the secondary campus, but their efforts extend to all schools within the division. Their presence is more than security— it's about building positive relationships, fostering a supportive school culture, and enhancing safety.
What Do School Resource Officers Do?
FCCPS’ SROs are much more than law enforcement officers. They serve as mentors, educators, and problem-solvers, playing a critical role in promoting a positive and inclusive school environment. Their goal is to ensure that schools remain safe, welcoming, and conducive to learning while also reducing the likelihood of students becoming involved with the juvenile or criminal justice system.
As part of their role, the SROs focus on:
Enhancing School Safety: SROs work closely with school staff to identify and address safety concerns, create effective intervention strategies, and support needy students. They actively participate in drills and emergency preparedness efforts, ensuring that schools are well-equipped to handle a range of potential incidents.
Crime Prevention and Response: The presence of SROs helps to reduce and prevent crime, violence, and victimization in and around schools. They are trained to respond quickly to emergencies and incidents, offering a critical layer of protection for students and staff.
Building Trust and Positive Relationships: Sergeant Chuquillangui and Officer Reyes actively engage with students, faculty, and parents to build trust and open lines of communication. Their daily interactions on campus allow them to be seen not just as law enforcement officers but as approachable and supportive school community members.
Collaborating for Success
A significant part of the SROs’ work is collaboration with school leadership. They participate in after-action debrief meetings following emergency drills, where they help assess the division's preparedness and identify areas for improvement. Their involvement ensures that both staff and students are ready to respond effectively in an actual emergency.
This collaborative approach strengthens the overall safety strategy for FCCPS, ensuring that schools are compliant with safety regulations and proactive in their measures to protect the community.
Supporting a Safe Learning Environment
One key goal of the SRO program is to create a school environment where students feel safe and supported. By actively reducing fear and minimizing student involvement with the criminal justice system, the SROs ensure that students remain focused on their academic and personal growth.
In addition to their daily presence on campus, SROs contribute to long-term strategies to maintain a peaceful and respectful atmosphere in the schools. They are crucial to ensuring that FCCPS remains a place where students can learn, grow, and succeed without the fear of violence or other security concerns.
A Commitment to the Community
Sergeant Chuquillangui and Officer Reyes embody Falls Church City's commitment to its schools and students. Their daily work goes beyond maintaining law and order; it's about creating a partnership between the police department, the school system, and the community. They work tirelessly to ensure that FCCPS students have the safe, nurturing environments they deserve, and their efforts are deeply appreciated by all.
In the words of many FCCPS staff and students, our SROs are not just protectors—they are part of the fabric of our school community.
Looking Ahead
As the partnership between FCCPS and FCPD continues to evolve, the role of SROs will remain essential to fostering positive school climates, reducing conflicts, and supporting students through effective interventions. With their combined focus on safety, education, and community engagement, Sergeant Chuquillangui and Officer Reyes help ensure that FCCPS remains a beacon of security and opportunity for all students.
FCCPS Photos/Chrissy Henderson, Rob Carey, and Jessica Hollinger