School Resource Officers on Bullying, Trust, and Keeping Students Safe

This episode looks at how school resource officers support students in an era where bullying follows kids home through social media, and where relationships can make the difference between silence and getting help. Host Brian speaks with Constable Jason Van Mulligan and supervisor Travis Funk about the realities of school policing, student mental health, and what visible, approachable officers can do inside schools. Timestamps 00:00 - Host opens with a request to support the show 00:58 - School resource officers introduced for the new school year 01:28 - Jason Van Mulligan on returning to the school resource unit 02:23 - Travis Funk explains the community support unit structure 03:04 - Why school resource work is the most rewarding part of the job 04:28 - Former students now working alongside Jason in policing 05:05 - How the school resource team is assigned across high school and junior high 05:52 - Bullying has changed from in-person conflict to constant digital harassment 07:07 - Helping students respond by blocking, talking to parents, and getting support 08:01 - What a typical day looks like in a school resource officer role 09:27 - Why being visible builds trust and deters poor choices 10:11 - Concerns about school violence and how safety is experienced in Canada 11:36 - Students warning officers about fights and other concerns 12:56 - Rebuilding trust with students who fear police 13:49 - Working with parents and responding to concerns at home 14:52 - How technology makes student mistakes more permanent 15:36 - Travis praises the SRO team and their consistent messaging 16:07 - Host names the officers serving at local schools and closes the segment Key topics In this episode, Jason Van Mulligan explains his return to the school resource unit after previously serving from 2016 to 2020, and how he now works at Medicine Hat High School after completing part of last school year there. Travis Funk describes his new role in the community support unit and how the school resource officers fit under that umbrella. Jason shares that the most rewarding part of the job is the mix of roles it requires, from supporting students to enforcing the law when necessary. The conversation highlights how former students can become colleagues, with Jason noting that several officers he once worked with as students are now serving in policing. The officers discuss how school resource work can become mentorship, especially for students asking what policing looks like and how to pursue it as a career. A major theme is the shift in bullying from mostly physical or verbal conflict to 24/7 digital harassment through Snapchat, Instagram, and online posting. Jason explains that the old idea of home as a safe place no longer fully applies when students can be targeted at all hours online. The officers talk through practical responses, including blocking offenders, involving parents, and connecting students with school mental health supports. Visibility comes up repeatedly as a core tactic, with Jason describing how simply being present in hallways and common areas can deter poor choices and make students more likely to ask for help. Travis says the schools generally feel safe, and that consistent, approachable relationships help students feel comfortable reporting concerns or warning signs. The episode also touches on fear of police and how trust is rebuilt slowly through repeated, positive interactions at school. Jason and Travis note that parents often call or are contacted when a student issue arises, reinforcing that the work is collaborative rather than isolated. Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch Podcast Support the show