ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — A school resource officer at Rocky River High School has been placed on administrative leave, according to the Rocky River Police Department.
Rocky River City School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Shoaf says the district was made aware on July 25 about the possibility of "inappropriate behavior" by the Rocky River High School School Resource Officer.
According to the Rocky River police department, a school resource officer "may have had communication with a high school student that was inconsistent with his role as an SRO."
After learning of the accusations, the city of Rocky River referred the matter to an independent investigator to determine if the communication occurred and, if so, was contrary to policy or law.
At this time, the investigation is not yet complete, but preliminary information indicates that Rocky River Police Department policy may have been violated, resulting in the officer being placed on paid administrative leave and removed from the SRO role.
"The RRPD is committed to working with the District to provide a safe and secure educational environment for students," said the Rocky River Police Department in a media release.
Officer Garth Selong has been assigned as the interim SRO at Rocky River High School. Officials say Selong is a 23-year veteran of the Rocky River Police Department.
The full email, which was sent to parents in the district, can be read below:
On July 25, 2023, we were notified about the possibility of inappropriate behavior by the Rocky River High School (RRHS) School Resource Officer (SRO). We immediately reported the matter to the Rocky River Police Department (RRPD) who employs the SRO. The RRPD referred the matter to an independent investigator for review.
The RRPD informed us that preliminary information provided by the investigator included information that the SRO engaged in conduct that was contrary to his responsibilities as an SRO. We agree with that determination, and he will no longer serve as an SRO in the district.
The RRPD has assigned Patrol Officer Garth Selong as the interim SRO at RRHS. Officer Selong is a 23-year veteran of the RRPD. During that time, he has served as a field training officer, K9 handler, on the marine patrol unit, and as a detective. He is a graduate of Allegheny College. We welcome Officer Selong to the District in this role and look forward to working with him.
The Rocky River City School District is committed to providing the highest quality education for our students in an environment that is safe and secure. Please remember, the Safe School Helpline is available to anonymously report unsafe behaviors, threats or criminal activities. To make a confidential report:
- Call: 1-800-4-1-VOICE, ext. 359
- Text: 66746, then type TIPS
- Visit: https://www.safeschoolhelpline.com
