Walk into Madison Elementary School, and there’s a good chance you’ll see Officer Patrick Hamilton. He’s a School Resource Officer there, as well as at Rainbow and Riser Elementary schools. Not only does he protect students, he teaches them.
“I teach a Too Good for Drugs Program where we teach 5th graders the dangers of drug, alcohol and tobacco use,” said Hamilton. “We also teach classes on setting achievable goals, resisting peer pressure, and making good decisions.”
It’s an important message, in a time of unprecedented stressors for kids.
“The students now have social media, which can impact their self esteem, their confidence,” he said. “We discuss that as well — how to have self worth and confidence in yourself.”
For Hamilton, interacting with the kids is the best part of his day.
“Walking up and down the halls, welcoming the kids, learning about what they did for the weekend, learning about their passions, their hobbies,” he said.
At the end of the day, Officer Hamilton wants the kids to know that he’s there to help them.
“School Resource officers are always available for them to come to talk to us,” said Hamilton. “And the Too Good for Drugs program — that they might take away something that might prevent them from making a bad decision in the future.”
In terms of strategy, Hamilton explained he has found success in being genuine with the kids — talking to them as a person, respecting them, and them respecting him.
Since 2007, Hamilton has also served as a field officer and K9 handler for the Madison Police Department.
Congratulations, Officer Hamilton, and thank you for your service to our community!