Dutchess County Sheriff’s Deputy Alexis Montanaro is feeling at home since becoming Dutchess BOCES’ School Resource Officer in December. This is her first SRO assignment.
“It’s very different than the normal patrol job,” she said. “You get to talk to people all day and try to make an impact on the students, give them outsider perspective to what they’re life may look like after high school.”
SROs are law enforcement officers who serve in schools. Montanaro and SROs across the nation are recognized on National SRO Appreciation Day, which falls on Feb. 15 this year.
“My job ultimately is to keep the school safe from any threats,” said Montanaro. “From there, it’s talking to the kids and being a presence in the school, being that person people feel comfortable coming to with an issue, and being a problem solver.”
Montanaro may meet students with an interest in becoming a police officer. If she does, she’ll explain the civil service process and will share tips such as stay in shape and keep your mind sharp.
“If any students want to get into law enforcement, I could be that liaison to tell them about how to become a police officer, things they should be doing or could do to head down that path,” she said.
Montanaro grew up in Connecticut and was a personal trainer before taking the test to become a police officer. She’s been a police officer for two years.
“I always wanted to become a police officer/deputy sheriff, even though I was a little older in the academy than most,” she said.
Montanaro and her husband Mark, a police officer in Westchester County, enjoy working out, spending time with their dog, gardening and trying to build a little farm at their house.