SROs: Keeping schools safe & building relationships
Did you know that SBLSD has two uniformed law enforcement School Resource Officers (SROs) for schools within the Sumner and Bonney Lake city limits? Officer Brandon Anderson (Sumner Police Department) and Officer Michael Gould (Bonney Lake Police Department) are a welcomed part of our school communities, helping build and maintain relationships with police, students, families and staff. Learn more about them below!
Officer Brandon Anderson, Sumner Police Department
How long have you been with your police department?
I have been with the Sumner Police Department for five years, and prior to policing I worked in corrections for seven years and was an instructor at the police academy for two years.
We know that being an SRO is more than just physical safety — you are also building very important relationships with our students. What does it mean to you to build these relationships and how does it benefit our schools and community?
For me, building meaningful relationships as an SRO is crucial to the safety, support and well-being of both students and the community. As a public servant, I have always believed relationships to be equally important as operations. While physical safety is always a top priority, fostering trust and building connections with our valued youth brings a deeper level of security. I feel that building these relationships is about creating an environment where students feel valued, heard, and supported. It goes far beyond enforcing rules — it's about understanding the individual needs of students and serving as a positive influence in their lives.
What's a fun fact about you?
I have an uncontrollable weakness for sweets (massive sweet tooth) and two of my favorite candies are orange slices and circus peanuts … Does anyone have any donuts?
Michael Gould, Bonney Lake Police Department
How long have you been with your police department?
I have been with the Bonney Lake Police Department since March of 2022 and previously served with the King County Sheriff's Office for four and a half years.
We know that being an SRO is more than just physical safety — you are also building very important relationships with our students. What does it mean to you to build these relationships and how does it benefit our schools and community?
SROs can have a large impact on how students view and interact with law enforcement professionals, presently and in the future. Building positive relationships is paramount during the K-12 ages and it’s an honor to be a part of that process. I have worked closely with all the schools in the City of Bonney Lake and have thoroughly enjoyed the relationships built with students, staff, and parents. Collaborating with the police department and school district has always served to be beneficial in keeping our schools safe and a fun place to be.
What's a fun fact about you?
I grew up in Bonney Lake and attended Bonney Lake Elementary, Lakeridge Middle School, and Bonney Lake High School (Class of 2012)!
In addition to our two SROs, there are three Campus Safety Officers (CSOs) at each high school and one at each middle school. These district employees maintain order and discipline in our schools, build relationships and connections with our students, help school administrators investigate violations of school rules and policies, provide student-to-student mediation support, and serve pivotal roles in emergency response. Learn more about safety staff at SBLSD.