Unrelated Incident Results in Local Leaders Removing SRO Position For Upcomming Year

When External Events Strain Internal Trust: The Lockland SRO Controversy

In February 2025, a neo-Nazi demonstration in Evendale, Ohio, set off a chain of events that culminated in the Lockland School District losing its SRO. Although the incident did not directly involve Lockland schools or their SRO, the community’s response showed the difficult nature of partnerships between educational institutions and law enforcement agencies.

The demonstration involved a group of neo-Nazis displaying swastika flags and banners on an overpass in Evendale. After the protest, an Evendale police officer escorted the demonstrators in a U-Haul truck, which briefly stopped near Lockland schools just before dismissal time. This proximity to students raised concerns among Lockland school officials, who felt uninformed and unprepared for such a situation.

The Lockland School Superintendent expressed frustration over the lack of communication from local law enforcement. He emphasized that the safety of students was paramount and that the district should have been notified about the demonstrators’ presence near school grounds. In response, the Lockland School Board called for an independent investigation into the police response to the incident.

However, this move strained the relationship between the school district and the Village of Lockland. A village administrator stated that the district’s public criticism led to a breakdown in trust. Consequently, the village decided not to provide an SRO for the upcoming school year, citing concerns about the officer’s ability to work in a supportive environment.

The decision to remove the SRO, despite the officer’s lack of involvement in the incident, shows the importance of strong, transparent partnerships between schools and law enforcement. Such relationships are built on mutual trust and open communication. When these foundations are compromised, even indirectly, the repercussions can be significant.

Lockland schools are now seeking assistance from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office to fill the SRO position. While this change may address immediate safety concerns, rebuilding the trust between the school district and local law enforcement will require ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

This situation serves as a reminder that external events can have profound impacts on internal relationships. Educational institutions and law enforcement agencies must prioritize open communication and shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

The Lockland case illustrates how important it is for schools and police departments to maintain strong, transparent partnerships. Even when incidents occur outside the immediate purview of the school, the ripple effects can challenge the integrity of these relationships. Proactive communication and mutual respect are essential to navigate such challenges and uphold the safety of the school community.

You can watch the whole incident here: