BEND, OR -- 

Central Oregon Community College is getting its first  School Resource Officer thanks to a partnership with the City of Bend.

A 12 year police department veteran, Chris Smelser, will start his new job on Monday. Lieutenant Juli McConkey with Bend Police tells KBND, Smelser will also be available for other assignments, as needed, off campus. "He can respond off of the campus to help other officers of course, if there's an emergency call." Funding for Smelser’s new job as the community college SRO. will be shared between the City of Bend and the COCC.