Changing of the Guard

August 13, 2019
Changing of the Guard

PRESS RELEASE: Changing of the Guard

The Dixon Public Schools District 170 and the Dixon Police Department would like to announce the changing of the guard with the School Resource Officer position at the Dixon High School.

Currently, School Resource Officer Mark A. Dallas has been assigned to the Dixon High School for the past five years.  During this time, Officer Dallas has developed a great rapport with the students and staff within the school.  This rapport wasn’t developed over night. Officer Dallas spent a lot of time with students and staff outside of the normal school day by attending special events, sporting events, and also coaching football for the past five years.  Officer Dallas has played a key role in the safety and security measures that were implemented within the school.  He was also heavily involved in deploying the many surveillance cameras that the school currently has within the facility.

Once the police department and school district learned of Officer Dallas’ approaching retirement, the entities created a process to select the next school resource officer.  Three Dixon Police Officers applied for the position.  A committee was formed to conduct interviews with all candidates.  The committee included Dr. Grady, Dixon High School Principal, Mr. Shaner, Assistant Principal/Activities & Athletic Director, Mr. Stansford, Assistant Principal, and Chief Howell.  The goal was to select Officer Dallas’ replacement, so the officer could complete a Basic School Resource Officer class prior to the beginning of the new school year.  This course is put on by NASRO, National Association of School Resource Officers.

The process began in late June and interviews were conducted in early July.  The committee selected Officer Chris Scott to serve as the next Dixon High School Resource Officer.

Officer Chris Scott is an 11 year veteran of law enforcement who joined the Dixon Police Department in December 2017.  Officer Scott holds many certifications including, Field Training Officer, Hostage Negotiator, and now School Resource Officer.  Officer Scott serves on the committee that hosts Clothes for Kids and Shop with a Cop.  Officer Scott is also the Director of the Safety and Security Ministry at Bethel Church.  In his off time, Officer Scott enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and coaching.

On July 15th through the 19th, Officer Scott completed the Basic School Resource Officer class.  Officer Scott stated, “I’m very excited for this new opportunity and look forward to continuing the standard that has been set by Officer Dallas.”

Margo Empen, Superintendent with Dixon Public Schools District 170 stated, “School Resource Officers are responsible for safety and crime prevention in schools.  In reality, they do that and so much more for DPS #170.  District Administration and the DPS Board of Education want to thank and honor SRO Mark Dallas for his service at Dixon High School.  Officer Dallas is a member of our Dixon Public Schools family.  We are forever grateful for his service, especially on May 16, 2018.  Our schools are a better place thanks to our partnership with the Dixon Police Department and the SRO program.  We wish Officer Dallas a retirement filled with family, friends, and pride for a job well done."  "We also welcome Officer Chris Scott to Dixon High School as our new SRO.  Officer Scott brings qualities to the job that I believe will build on the legacy left by Officer Dallas, and will continue to move this program forward.   We are confident that Officer Scott will continue to provide for the safety of our students and staff while making those lasting connections with the Dixon Public School family.”

Dr. Grady stated, “The students and staff at Dixon High School are forever indebted to Officer Mark Dallas for his service as School Resource Officer.  His professionalism and dedication to making Dixon High School a better place will be missed.  All of us wish him well on his retirement and look forward to the next chapter of School Resource Officer at Dixon High School under Chris Scott.”