In January of 2007, the Dickinson Police Department assigned the first-ever School Resource Officer to the Dickinson Public School District. With all of the challenges today’s youth experience, many law enforcement agencies realized the importance of being proactive in the school environment. Thus, the department and school district worked together to develop the School Resource Program.
With our partnership with the school district, the department currently has four School Resource Officers stationed continuously at Dickinson High School and Dickinson Middle School, and on a rotational basis at the elementary schools. In the fall of 2023, the Dickinson Police Department announced a partnership with Dickinson State University to also have an SRO presence on the DSU campus.
Some duties of the SROs include resolving student conflicts, processing status crimes occurring on school property, and having a presence at after-school activities such as dances and athletic programs. In addition, the SROs provide valuable resources to school staff, teachers and youth to prevent and solve problems within the school and community and foster positive relationships between youth and police officers.
In the fall of 2014, the Dickinson PD, along with the Dickinson Public School District, were proud to announce the addition of D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) to our list of proactive services. DARE officers attended an 80-hour specialized course to become certified instructors. The courses are eleven, 45-minute classes at the 5th and 7th grade level covering topics to give kids the skills needed to avoid drugs, gangs, and violence. Supplemental courses also cover bullying, prescription drug abuse, and internet safety.
During the summer months, the School Resource Officers are involved in many of the city’s summer youth programs. They are also in charge of the community programs throughout the year and have a satellite office located within the West River Community Center.
SGT Justin Fridrich
Sergeant Justin Fridrich is currently assigned as supervisor to the SRO Division and also serves as the department's Community Programs Coordinator.
As the Supervisor of the SRO Program, SGT Fridrich plays a pivotal role in fostering positive relationships between law enforcement, the community, and the school district. His involvement in community outreach programs, especially at Dickinson State University and City Hall, has significantly contributed to building trust and understanding between law enforcement and the public.
SGT Fridrich has been a member of the department since 2011 and has worn many hats over that time. He has served on patrol, investigations, SWAT, and many more programs within the department.
In his off-duty time, SGT Fridrich finds immense joy in spending quality time with his family, particularly at the lake, where cherished moments are created and shared. He is a proud parent, enthusiastically supporting his children in their various pursuits, whether it's hockey, basketball, soccer, or dance.
SPO Taylor Peters
Senior Officer Taylor Peters is located at the Dickinson High School. He has been with the Dickinson Police Department since 2015. He has served on Patrol and in investigations, and now joins the School Resource Officer ranks.
SPO Peters holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Composite Social Science with a criminal justice track from Dickinson State University. He also holds a Master’s degree from Arizona State University where he studied Public Safety Leadership and Administration with a concentration in Executive Police Administration.
Along with the Dickinson Public School District, SPO Peters founded the Dickinson High School law enforcement course which educates teens on various subjects related to policing. He also facilitates the Alive at 25 Driver’s Safety course, and is a D.A.R.E. Officer, teaching fifth and seventh graders positive life skills and decision-making.
Beginning in the fall of 2023, the Dickinson PD has partnered with the Southwest Career and Technical (CTE) Center to build the beginning stages of a skills-based technical program. SPO Peters has been instrumental in developing this program as well.
In SPO Peters’ free time, he enjoys lifting weights, riding bicycle, reading, and walking his dogs, Betty and Brutus.
SPO Jarett Blain
Senior Officer Jarett Blain is located at the Dickinson Middle School. He has been with the Dickinson Police Department since August of 2020 serving on patrol for two years before becoming a School Resource Officer. SPO Blain is a part of the negotiations team and currently serves in the North Dakota National Guard as a Combat Medic
SPO Blain has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Global Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
In SPO Blain’s free time, he enjoys spending time with family, friends, going to church activities, and anything outside.
OFC Kayla Richard
SRO Richard is located at Dickinson High School, and has been with Dickinson Police Department since October of 2020 in the patrol capacity. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Minot State University. At work, SRO Richard enjoys meeting new people, learning new skills, and working with kids. At home, she likes to go camping, read, and watch documentaries.
SRO Richard’s favorite aspects of being a police officer are being able to help people and knowing that every day she has the opportunity to make a difference at her job. She is looking forward to this next chapter in her career as a police officer.
Text-A-Tip
The Dickinson Police Department, along with Dickinson Public Schools, recently started a new program called Text-A-Tip at Dickinson High School and Dickinson Middle School. This program will give kids the opportunity to report illegal activities, bullying, weapons, and other concerns by texting the School Resource Officer at 701-260-7804. All students who use the program may remain anonymous.