Not so New SRO Program in the Mentor District

The SRO (School Resource Officer) has been a program since 2003 in the Mentor Exempted School District. The program started with one full-time SRO at Mentor High School, according to a report by ADVANCEOHIO.

After MHS got the first SRO, Mentor police officers were been stationed in buildings across the district, but they were not technically SROs – they were merely Mentor Police helping the district until more SROs could be obtained. Contract renewals over the years have allowed Mentor police officers to grow, ensuring that each building had access to at least one Mentor police officer either full-time or as needed.

This school year, the SRO program has now expanded beyond Mentor High School to include SROs across the district and not just at the high school. The program has also adapted in response to changes in school safety policies, both locally and across the nation, following incidents that reshaped how schools approach security. Along with these adjustments, officers receive updated training in areas like mental health awareness, de-escalation, and restorative practices, reflecting a shift toward balancing safety with student well-being.

Meet the New SROs

As of the 2025-26 school year, the Mentor district now has two SROs. Officer Ryan Cueni is stationed at Bellflower Elementary, and John Finucan is stationed at Memorial Middle School. This marks a shift in how the district allocates its resources, ensuring that both younger and older students have a direct connection to an officer on campus.

The placement reflects the district’s goal of making safety and relationship-building a priority beyond the high school, where the program first began. With officers now embedded at different grade levels, the district hopes to provide a consistent presence, support staff in day-to-day operations, and strengthen trust between students, families, and law enforcement. Cardinal Nation had the opportunity to ask both Officer Cueni and Officer Finucan questions about their experience in law enforcement and about their new roles. 

Cardinal Nation: How will you communicate with the student body about your role and responsibilities?

Officer Cueni: I’ve had the opportunity to stop into several of the classes to introduce myself and explain my role at Bellflower.  I also speak to students on a one on one basis where I can discuss my role with them. I like to tell the students that my primary role is to promote safety in the school. I define safety to the younger students as the things we do every day to avoid getting hurt.

Cardinal Nation: What role do you see parents playing in your work as an SRO?

Officer Cueni: Parents play a vital role in helping create a positive image of the SRO for their children. I have gotten a ton of support and positive feedback from the parents of the students at Bellflower. I clearly get the impression the parents support the SRO program at Bellflower.

Cardinal Nation: How will you work with teachers, counselors, and administrators to support students before issues become disciplinary problems?

Officer Cueni: I try to support positive relationships between students by encouraging them to work out their disagreements in a positive way.  I also have the opportunity to observe the school and report potential issues to the school administration. My role in the school is not to handle routine disciplinary issues. Disciplinary matters are the responsibility of the school administration.

Cardinal Nation: What was your experience in law enforcement prior to coming to Mentor?

Officer Finucan: I just retired from the Beachwood Police Department after 30 years of service. I was on the road for about 17 years and then I went to the detective bureau for the last 13 years. I was a member of the SWAT team for a number of years, was an evidence technician, and a safety town officer for about 10 years. 

Cardinal Nation: How do you balance keeping the school safe with making sure students feel comfortable around you?

Officer Finucan: The key is being visible as much as possible. I am outside the door in the parking lot at morning drop-off and in the parking lot at afternoon dismissal. I am also in the cafeteria for all lunches, and will be walking the halls and being seen and saying hi to students and teachers the whole day.

Cardinal Nation: What does a safe school mean to you beyond just preventing crime?

Officer Finucan: Students need to feel safe from threats outside the school as well as from threats within.  Students have access to so much technology today, but that can be a good thing and a bad thing. Unfortunately, cell phones and social media are often used irresponsibly. Bullying is something that I feel strongly against. Students need to feel safe both physically and emotionally while at school.

Community Support

The SRO program in Mentor has not only grown within the schools but also gained steady support from the wider community. Parents often highlight the reassurance of having officers on campus, especially at younger grade levels, where safety is a top concern. Many families see SROs as approachable figures who can help their children feel secure and supported during the school day.

Beyond parents, teachers, and administrators have voiced appreciation for the way officers assist with safety drills, provide resources during crises, and help prevent small issues from becoming larger problems. The district’s partnership with the Mentor Police Department and continued contract renewals also reflect the city’s confidence in the value of having trained officers in schools.

For Mentor students and families, the presence of SROs now hopefully means not only a safer campus, but also a stronger bridge between law enforcement and education. As the program continues to expand, Mentor schools are focusing on a balance of safety, support, and strong connections with the community.