School Safety & SRO Training with Officer Jamie Bungard and Sgt. Joe Zalenski

On this episode of the Cape CopCast, we sit down with School Resource Officer Jamie Bungard and Sergeant Joe Zalenski from our Community Services Bureau to celebrate the 'Back to School' season. Officer Bungard, stationed at Oasis Middle School, shares his extraordinary path from the military and SWAT training to becoming an SRO, and how running helped him heal from personal loss while inspiring his role as a cross-country coach. Hosts Lisa Greenberg and Officer Mercedes Simonds ask him about his innovative methods to keeping students engaged, and his unwavering commitment to their well-being, both in safety and sports. The episode also shines a light on the intricate roles and rigorous training that our SROs go through. Sgt. Zalenski talks about the balance of fostering student relationships while maintaining readiness similar to SWAT standards. We'll also discuss new law enforcement training protocols starting in 2024 and the dread school pickup lines. This episode is a compelling reminder of the collective effort needed from schools, law enforcement, and parents to protect our most valuable assets—our children.