VALLEY — School resource officers have to do many things. From being the person school’s call on to report to being another set of eyes around the school, they have an important job to do.

Lt. Sandra Crim is one of those school resource officers and has been with Valley PD for 20 years and a school resource officer for the past 15.

She decided to work at the schools when she was approached by former Police chief Jack Manley.

He explained the position to her and after starting she decided it was a good move.

“I’ve been with it ever since,” she said. “I feel like it was a calling.”

One of the biggest positives, she said, was to opportunity to help others.

Crim covers Valley High School, W.F. Burns Middle School, Fairfax Elementary School, Bob Harding-Shawmut Elementary School, LaFayette Lanier Elementary School and Huguley Elementary School but noted she can be called in to help others if needed.

“And right now the biggest need is safety,” she said.

The numerous school shootings in recent years have affected her job and over the years she has seen an increase in worry.

She recalled an incident years ago when a student left a hunting rifle in his vehicle when he entered the campus. The student was disciplined by the school and nothing more was made of it.

“If you mention gun and school in the same sentence now everything just shuts down,” she said. “That’s an immediate threat whereas years ago it was not.”

Two of the biggest issues she has to deal with are navigating the school grounds and dealing with the location of the schools.

Each building, she said, is built differently and with some them being located near neighborhoods, you have to learn to work with the community and build a rapport.

“They have been very receptive,” she said.

To deal with the issue, Crim and other officers promote training drills to prepare the faculties and students for any situation.

“I tell them all the time, ‘We need to practice, practice, practice,’” she said. “We can’t stop crime but we can detour it.”

Outside of work, Crim has two
daughters and two grandsons, enjoys attending Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in River View and going out with friends.

“I’m a Family Feud and Lifetime-type of person,” she said with a laugh. “I also enjoy traveling.”

She also has a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Troy State University. 

“It’s great to have the degrees for future endeavors, after retirement,” she said.

Overall, Crim is happy with her life.

“When it comes right down to it,” she said. “Safety crosses my mind the most. It is our number one priority.”

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