by Emma Robinson, Mundelein High School
As Mundelein Police Officer Roger Dunn walks down the Carl Sandburg hallway, eager students clamor right beside him. The reason seems obvious at first: he has a pocket full of candy! During lunch and passing periods, he’ll challenge students to games and award candy if they win. Sometimes to earn a prize, the student will have to tell him something they learned that day.
It’s all a part of how Carl Sandburg’s new School Resource Officer builds trust with students.
Starting his job at the beginning of the 2025-26 school year, Officer Dunn has already gained a highly positive reputation among the middle schoolers, earning the nickname “Officer Smiles.” But Dunn’s relationship building techniques go far beyond sweets in his effort to create a safe space for CSMS students.
Dunn makes an effort to engage with students every day, keeping his office unlocked so anyone can stop by and talk if something is troubling them. After two months, he knows every student’s name and face.
“This is my dream job, for sure,” Dunn said. “I feel more like a police officer here than I ever did patrolling the streets.”
Getting to help children is something incredibly important to him, and he’s committed himself to being a role model for the students and aiding their academic growth.
Building relationships is Dunn’s favorite part of the job, and he knows the key to trust isn’t just candy and games. What really creates trust is empathy, honesty, and respect.
Another way Dunn engages with students is through the classes he teaches, which can be about difficult topics. In his Social Media Etiquette lesson, he brings up topics such as bullying, internet crime, and other harmful online content.
Dunn walks the line between sugarcoating and fear-mongering to deliver information that can be taken to heart. Furthermore, he is always reassuring. For every negative social media trend he mentions, he always reminds students how creative and awesome their generation is.
In the confusing and hectic life stage that is adolescence, having an adult around who truly tries to understand you can mean the world. Officer Dunn doesn’t talk down, doesn’t treat the kids as lesser, and always puts in the effort to make them feel seen.
With him around, CSMS students are more than physically safe. They’re safe to express their feelings and talk about difficult situations. Students aren’t alone in their appreciation for Dunn. CSMS Principal Andrew Vondran couldn’t be more pleased with his new SRO.
“He’s wonderful,” Vondran said. “We are so lucky to have him here at CSMS.”
About the author:
Mundelein High School senior Emma Robinson is working part-time with the Districts 75 & 120 Communications Department as part of her Dual Credit Student Internship Class.