From the streets to the halls; Brian Blake takes on new role as School Resource Officer

Published 7:45 am Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Officer Brian Blake is the third generation of his family to work in law enforcement. With almost 12 years of experience with the Austin Police Department, the Fargo/Moorhead area native has made his fair share of arrests while patrolling the streets.

But on Jan. 3, Blake took on a new role in his law enforcement career when he became the School Resource Officer at Ellis Middle School.

“When the staff needs law enforcement’s help, I assist,” he said about his new job. “If there is anything that’s criminal going on, then I handle those responsibilities.”

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While Blake’s primary school is Ellis Middle School, he is also responsible for I.J. Holton Intermediate School, Neveln and Southgate Elementary Schools and Woodson Kindergarten Center.

“It’s a good job,” he said. “I like being able to interact with the kids; I like saying ‘Hi’ and good morning. The kids are good and they mean well. I especially like going to where the real little kids are because that’s the age group I have children at.”

Officer Brian Blake became the new School Resources Officer at Ellis Middle School on Jan. 3.
Michael Stoll/mike.stoll@austindailyherald.com

While Blake said he has had to make a few arrests at the schools, the challenge is different from dealing with adults.

“It’s super important for them to understand that there are consequences to what they do and if they don’t do the right thing that certain things can happen to them,” he said. “It’s about trying to get them to talk and interact and getting them to open up about what’s going on and trying to figure out what the problem is so we can address the situation. They have different personalities, just like out on the street, but getting the kids to talk to me is tough.”

Despite the challenge, Blake still enjoys working with the kids.

“The kids overall are super good,” he said. “They really are. I don’t have anything negative to say about them. They are great.”

Blake said he would stay at his position unless he is appointed elsewhere or until another position becomes available for which he may choose to apply. But right now, he has no intention of going anywhere.

“Right now, I’m extremely happy with where I’m at,” he said. “It’s rewarding,”