As students in Hillsboro fill their backpacks and head to their classrooms, the Hillsboro Police Department's Youth Services Unit (YSU), commonly referred to as School Resource Officers (SROs), is also marking its presence known for the new academic year. A team of six SROs, including newcomers Detective Tracy Hinkelman and Detective Robert Carrigan under the watchful eye of their new supervisor, Sgt Jodi Sackville, are positioning themselves as allies in education and safety within the schools.
The primary objective for these officers is to weave a fabric of security and trust through consistent engagement with students and faculty members. These SROs are taking initiatives to build rapport with the kids and educate them, and as noted in a recent Hillsboro-oregon.gov publication, they are "seeking to positively impact the students and their family life." This year, along with the usual hustle of a new school year, the Hillsboro community is experiencing the bittersweet departure of YSU Detective Adela Rios, who is setting her sights on a new challenge.
Detective Rios is not straying too far from her roots in law enforcement or her community, transitioning to the role of Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Manager for the Hillsboro School District, as per the same source. Her nearly quarter of a century of service, including two decades as an SRO, has been marked by a commitment to community policing and being a valuable resource for both students and staff. Detective Rios's involvement has been felt in various areas including child abuse investigations and community events, where her role often extended beyond formal duties into the realm of community building and outreach.
A look back over Rios's storied career reveals a timeline of transformation within the Hillsboro Police Department. Changes in uniform styles, the switch from Ford Crown Vics to the Police Interceptor for the fleet, and the pre-GPS days of navigating with the Thomas Guide are all part of the legacy she leaves behind. Reflecting on her tenure, Rios recalls, "investigated difficult child abuse cases as part of our Investigations team, and if you've ever seen her at a community event, you know how well she's known and beloved among the Hillsboro community," according to the earlier mentioned publication. Along with memories of teaching the DARE curriculum and participating in the 4th of July parade, Rios has established herself as a venerable figure within Hillsboro.
As the school year forges ahead, the continued presence of SROs in Hillsboro schools symbolizes the ongoing commitment to student welfare and community engagement. While faces may change, the dedication to making a positive impact remains a constant goal for the Hillsboro Police and its Youth Services Detectives.
