At the Atascadero Police Foundation, we know just how much our School Resource Officer (SRO) does to keep our kids safe and supported. That’s why, in honor of School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, we’re excited to sit down with Atascadero SRO Corporal Tyler Smith, who’s been a constant positive force for the Atascadero Unified School District.
National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day is all about showing some love and appreciation to the officers who work hard to keep our schools safe and welcoming.
Corporal Smith is much more than just a presence on the Atascadero High School campus—he’s a mentor, a problem solver, and someone the students and staff can always count on. In addition to his SRO duties, Corporal Smith commits time to coaching the Atascadero High School Track & Field team. We wanted to take a moment to highlight his work and share a little more about what being an SRO means to him.
In this quick interview, we’ll hear from Corporal Smith himself as he reflects on his role, the challenges, and the rewards that come with working with our youth. Join us as we celebrate Corporal Smith and learn more about his journey in the Atascadero community through five insightful questions.
1. What do you love about the City of Atascadero?
Corporal Smith: I love the sense of community everyone has here. From City Hall to the business and the schools. Everyone is trying to always improve and increase the quality of life here and I’m really drawn to that.
2. What inspired you to become a School Resource Officer?
Corporal Smith: Coming from a (law enforcement) agency where it wasn’t an option to be an SRO I was interested immediately. I saw it as a personal challenge but I have always had a drive to serve others. I love coaching and being involved with school sports so it seemed to be a good fit. I wanted to show students and staff law enforcement can’t only be trusted but we can establish meaningful friendships and connections.
3. You serve on the Atascadero Police Foundation’s Luca Benedetti Memorial Scholarship Committee—what motivated you to get involved with this program?
Corporal Smith: I’ve always been very inspired by those who sacrifice everything for the betterment of everyone else. I didn’t have the honor of knowing Luca personally but his sacrifice inspired me and helped me change in my career and life for the better. Having the opportunity to be a part of something with him attached to felt like an amazing honor.
4. If you could have any superpower to help you with your job as an SRO, what would it be and why?
Corporal Smith: I’d have to say reading minds. What better way to quickly finish investigations and know when someone is telling the whole truth and not lying. But also to know if a student is really struggling and how best to help them and respond to how they are truly feeling and not just what they are telling me.
5. On National School Resource Officer Day, what would you like the A-Town community to know about your work and what it means to you?
Corporal Smith: I personally always feel like enough can’t be done for our students and educators. I can always improve and do more even when I’m feeling stretched thin. The connections I’ve created with these students means a lot to me. If I was able to have a positive impact on a student or change someone’s perspective of law enforcement or life than I feel that is a success. Being able to coach Track and Field, being asked to coach flag football, and getting students engaged in some of our police training has been big highlights for my whole career.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know Corporal Tyler Smith a little better and learning more about the important role he plays in our schools. On this School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, let’s take a moment to thank all the SROs who go above and beyond to keep our kids safe and supported. Corporal Smith, we’re grateful for everything you do!
SRO Corporal Smith, APF President Scott Pipan and members of the Atascadero Police Foundation present a donation to the Atascadero High School Track & Field Program.
