He grew up in the South County, graduated from Bear River High School, left the area to experience life in Southern California, and then returned to Grass Valley nine years ago and became part of the Grass Valley Police Department. For five of those years, Officer Jim Amaral has been the School Resource Officer for the schools in and around Grass Valley. Moving forward, Officer Amaral is now going to provide his service to Nevada County in a different manner- Amaral is moving over to the Nevada County Probation Department.
Click here to listen to Officer Jim Amaral
After five years as a School Resource Officer, Amaral feels that the SRO is pivotal to the police department.
Click here to listen to Officer Jim Amaral
Amaral says being an SRO is a challenge because it is not always as simple as what’s right and wrong.
Click here to listen to Officer Jim Amaral
Some of Amaral’s biggest success as an SRO is the work he has done at Park Avenue Alternative Learning Site.
Click here to listen to Officer Jim Amaral
Amaral says some of the best rewards come after the fact, when citizens talk positively about him to other officers.
Click here to listen to Officer Jim Amaral
Jim Amaral also says that serving in the School Resource Officer role has made him a better person too.
Click here to listen to Officer Jim Amaral
The grant that funded the SRO position has ended and discussions between the city and the school district are taking place about the future of the the position, Amaral believes a solution can be developed.
Click here to listen to Officer Jim Amaral
Though funding for the School Resource Officer roles and responsibilities is slated to go away July 1, that had no bearing on Amaral’s decision to move to Probation. Amaral will be teaching the GREAT Summer Youth Academy in July while transitioning to his new role in Probation.
Dan Taliaferro
Officer Amaral is one of the most outstanding police officers I've ever encountered, other officers should stand up and take note on how he conducts himself, personally and professionally. I can't tell you how much of an important roll he and Marty Mathison played in my daughters high school years at Silver Springs. Mr. Amaral will be much needed addition to the probation officers team and Im sure he will play a crucial roll in many people's lives. Good luck Jim.