School Resource Officer Turns Storage Room into Oasis
School Resource Officer Mike Nelsen has just raised the bar in “Community Policing.” Assigned to an outdated office space at Live Oak High School with white walls, aged brown cabinets and metal doors, Officer Nelsen devoted 4 weekends of his personal time “off duty” transforming his Live Oak office into a log cabin Oasis. Officer Nelsen spent over $1,000 of his own money to personally build an original one of a kind welcoming School Resource Office.
Morgan Hill Police Department has one full time School Resource Officer supported by patrol officers who have each adopted a school in their beat and visit regularly. The new methodology allows more students to have a positive interaction with law enforcement and to develop a stronger partnership with the youth of our community.
School Resource Officer Mike Nelsen has meticulously crafted his log cabin office hauling in drywall, texture, crown molding, baseboard, custom cabinets, paint, carpet, furniture, and much more. Officer Nelsen explained, “After being a School Resource Officer for 10 years and closely working with staff and students to resolve complex parent/student concerns, I wanted to create an environment that was not only accommodating but comfortable for the needs of all students.”
This is Officer Nelsen’s third term assigned as the School Resource Officer. The position is a four year assignment. He began his current assignment last year. Captain Shane Palsgrove said, “Everyone has a gift, Officer Nelsen’s gift is his ability to connect with students as a father-like persona holding them accountable for their actions all-the-while maintaining respect, empathy and the human aspect.”
“This project demonstrates Officer Nelsen’s dedication to the youth of Morgan Hill and his skills in construction. However, he is not only a skilled craftsman, he is also skilled at building assets in students that will help them succeed today and later in life,” commented Chief David Swing on Officer Nelsen’s work in the community and support of the 41 Developmental Assets.
“The Morgan Hill Police Department’s Strategic Plan consists of 4 outcome goals http://www.morgan-hill.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/5958. Officer Nelsen continues to do his part in increasing the trust and confidence in the Police Department and the feeling of safety.”—Captain Shane Palsgrove
Address/Location
Morgan Hill Police, California
16200 Vineyard Blvd
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 408-779-2101