A new officer will serve with the Sioux Center Police Department as the School Resource Officer in Sioux Center.
Kyle Munneke, of Sioux Center, was sworn in as the SRO this week. This role involves being a visible, positive figure in all grades at both Sioux Center Community Schools and Sioux Center Christian School, proactively strengthening safety, security, and community relations.
With the first week of school underway, Munneke has already begun his new role. He shares his time among all the school buildings, meeting with students and staff, even potentially participating in different classes.
“I’m starting with getting to know the city, schools, staff and students, and building relationships with them and each school administration, understanding their vision for their school and how law enforcement fits with that vision,” Munneke said.
Proactive involvement like this is valuable for students, law enforcement, and the community, he said.
“How we invest in youth and kids now will determine our future, including the people that law enforcement will interact with down the road,” Munneke said. “This role allows us to be proactive in supporting staff and an advocate role for kids – mentorship and building long-term relationships.””
Munneke, now a full-time member of the Sioux Center Police Department, will be in uniform at the schools with a marked patrol car while school is in session. During the summer, he will help with local code enforcement, coordinate community events for the police department, work to expand community outreach, and continue to strengthen relationships with students.
“Kyle carries with him years of knowledge and experience as a veteran law enforcement officer, and I look forward to witnessing him utilize those attributes to grow the SRO program,” said Sioux Center Police Chief Josh Koedam.
Munneke has worked in law enforcement since 2007, serving about 6 years with the Rock Valley Police Department and about a decade with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Department. A Rock Valley graduate, he earned his criminal justice degree at Western Iowa Technical College in Sioux City. He will attend SRO school in Des Moines this fall.
Munneke lives in Sioux Center with his wife, Megan, and their three children. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, going to the lake, and spending time with family.