Building a Safer CMS Through Relationships
For Officer Flowers, a School Resource Officer (SRO) in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district, the most important word in his title isn’t "Officer"—it’s Resource.
While his uniform represents safety, his day-to-day work is defined by mentorship, education, and the deep-rooted belief that a school is the heart of its community. Officer Flowers views himself as a bridge-builder, ensuring that every person who enters the building feels safe, heard, and supported.
"Sometimes conversations and understanding and meeting these young people where they're at helps better than putting them in situations where they have to involve law enforcement and the court system."
— Officer Flowers, CMS School Resource Officer
To Officer Flowers, being a resource means wearing many different hats and showing up for students in ways that extend far beyond traditional law enforcement. On any given day, you might find him in the classroom teaching students about the Constitution and how the law impacts their daily lives, or on the dance floor serving as a DJ to help create joyful, positive memories at school events. Most importantly, he approaches his role as a lifelong learner, actively listening to the young people he serves and viewing their relationship as a two-way street. As he often says, "We are gaining knowledge from each other," a philosophy that transforms his presence from a figure of authority into a vital partner in the student experience.
While Officer Flowers is a trained law enforcement officer, he views traditional police duties as a last resort. His primary tool is conversation.
Meeting Them Where They Are: By understanding a student’s perspective, he can often resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than through the court system.
A Foundation of Trust: He works tirelessly to build rapport with everyone—administrators, teachers, and cafeteria staff. This ensures that the people who work in the building can focus on their jobs, knowing they are in a secure environment.
The School-Community Connection: Officer Flowers understands that what happens in the neighborhood often follows students into the hallways. By acting as a liaison with parents and community members, he helps create a proactive safety net.
Officer Flowers represents the modern approach to school safety: one that prioritizes prevention over punishment. By being a constant, friendly, and reliable presence, he doesn't just respond to the school community—he becomes a vital part of it.
