Portales resource officer talks experience, lessons learned

PORTALES — The Portales Municipal School District's school resource officer has learned some lessons of his own while acting as teacher and counselor for students.

Going into his second year in the position, Sgt. Eric Muller already feels like a part of the district.

"They brought me in and made me a part of the schools. The kids are great," he said.

Muller wasn't initially sure he would like the position, but as he began interacting with children from Brown Early Childhood Center all the way to Portales High School, he discovered an affinity for it.

"For the most part, that's been the most satisfying thing, is coming in with a handful of kids at different ages, and consoling and talking, and helping them through crises they may be going through," he said.

Muller, who is also the Portales Police Department's community relations officer, begins his day enforcing the speed limit in school zones, and then goes to each school talking to students and faculty. If a disciplinary issue arises, he will be called in as a resource.

"Punishment within the schools is done by the schools. I don't dole out suspensions or do any of that. That's the administration. That's not my job," he said.

Muller said he only becomes disciplinarian when misbehavior becomes a criminal offense; "Then, I do what a police officer does," he said.

He also holds educational events geared toward the students.

"We had a door designing contest for the drug free campaign. We provided pizzas to the winning classrooms for a couple of classes," he said.

Muller prefers to keep his relationship with the students friendly so they know they can reach out to him with any issue they may be having.

"I try to be a counselor when I need to be. Some of the kids are just having issues at home, and (we find out) what are some of their choices and options," he said. "My door's open. I've had several kids just come in and want to talk. I try and be available as much as possible."

PMS Superintendent Johnnie Cain marveled at Muller's support of the district, even when he's not working.

"He comes to things that he probably doesn't even have to. He likes to be at the ball games, he likes to be at the plays, and those extracurricular type events. Kids get to see him not only in school, but they also get to see that he's out supporting them in different events they're involved in," he said.

Muller's visibility also improves student morale, according to Cain.

"They know that the school district and the police are working together. They also know that the police are not somebody that's out there just to see you doing something wrong," he said. "They're there to support you and to help educate you, to help make better citizens that can live in this community."