“Deputy First Class (DFC) Mallorie Whipps is currently serving as the School Resource Officer (SRO) at Bennett Middle School in Fruitland Maryland. As an SRO she is the law enforcement presence on school campus, providing security and acting as a mentor and resource for students, staff, and faculty. She investigates criminal activity on school grounds, to include but not limited to theft, drug offenses, and violence, while collaborating with school administration to address student behavior. DFC Whipps provides crisis intervention services and de-escalates potentially violent or disruptive situations during the school day. DFC Whipps is constantly ensuring a safe and supportive school environment. She serves as an advisor to school policy makers regarding safety and security measures, helping to ensure compliance with local laws and best practices in school security. She collaborates with mental health professionals, social workers, and counselors to support at-risk students and provide appropriate resources for intervention. DFC Whipps operates closely with the school’s Crisis Team to ensure best practice for all emergency drills and to ask and manage questions of staff and team members.

DFC Whipps has participated in multiple Career Days with various ages to develop community relationships and promote positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. She has also initiated a “Lunch Bunch” with students to mentor and help students develop a greater understanding of career readiness and personal goal setting. DFC Whipps is currently hosting 8 different lunch groups containing approximately 4-11 students per group. In Lunch Bunch students practice public speaking, confidence building, coping strategies, and more. DFC Whipps worked with the Salisbury Elks Lodge in 2024 to secure 14 spots for their free summer camp for students at her school. Allowing students in low-income families to be able to enjoy Summer as children should.

DFC Whipps is committed to the development of students within her school, she has built countless relationship with students that foster an environment of inclusion, awareness, and kindness. Students come to DFC Whipps daily and some have her noted on their Behavioral Plans as their “Safe Person” to see if they are overwhelmed, angry, or anxious. Inside her office she has coloring pages, fidget toys, playdoh, and more to assist students in regaining positive control of their physical bodies and mental cognizes.