When most individuals think of a resource officer all they see is an officer sitting in an office pushing paper and this is precisely what most students assume Officer Rife does every day. For the most part PAHS students know Officer Rife enforces the laws around campus, but what most people don’t know or understand is the critical role Officer Rife plays behind the closed doors.

A resource officer is a specialized police officer appointed by the police department—that’s just the basic definition—in reality though it takes a huge process to become a School Resource Officer. The first thing an officer needs to do is summit an application to the chief of police. Once the police officer passes the initial application process he/she must undergo an interview and a week-long special training that deals with the specifics of dealing with school related problems. A series of tests are also conducted. For instance, a knowledge and background test must be passed. The entire process of becoming a resource officer can take some time to complete. Therefore if you are considering such a role don’t imagine yourself becoming a School Resource Officer over night.

The role of a School Resource Officer is little known to most people. Not only does Officer Rife enforce the law, but he also educates students about crime prevention, safety, and bullying. Another critical and import part of Officer Rife’s job that comes with the territory of being an officer is having a good ear to listen to others and their personal needs or concerns.

Before becoming a School Resource Officer, Rife underwent a long and arduous journey by completing extensive training. The first step in this journey was obtaining an associates degree. Once Rife obtained his degree he underwent an extensive hiring process which included a series of tests such as a lie detector and psychological test and an inquisitive interview done by several officers—a time period of approximately four to five months. Upon completing this initial screening a police officer must attend the police academy for another five months, followed by almost fourteen more weeks doing field training.

Officer Rife has a busy daily life. Not only is he the resource officer for PAHS, but he’s also the School Resource Officer for the entire district. In addition to his role as a School Resource Officer, Rife works as a detective for the Port Angeles Police Department investigating crimes against persons. Officer Rife also gets pulled away to work on the road as a regular police officer, yet somehow manages to still get his job done as a School Resource Officer for the entire school district. From time-to-time Officer Rife sometimes thrives for change. Luckily for him, he’s able to get that chance when he gets the opportunity to go out and do field work. Rife says that it’s a refresher for him, but it also keeps him on his toes.

As busy as his life is though, Officer Rife says that he always finds time for the students. Officer Rife is here for us, and we need not be afraid to talk to him. Sometimes talking to a stranger is the best medicine, who better than PAHS’ very own School Resource Officer! Don’t be mistaken though, Officer Rife just isn’t there for students, he’s also here for the staff, the parents, and whoever might need his resources at a beckoning call.

I will personally admit that when I interviewed Officer Rife that I was scared at first and very intimidated by his presence, but as I sat there and talked to Officer Rife and listened to his responses I become more relaxed and started to enjoy the interview itself and appreciate the job Officer Rife does; I just had to give Officer Rife a fair chance. I found it very interesting to learn that Officer Rife graduated from PAHS in 1989, has a military background, likes to ride motorcycles, and enjoys hunting and fishing. It was very apparent to me that Officer Rife loves his job and his daily service to our high school and his community.

The next time you see Officer Clay Rife on campus I hope that he is more than a random breeze and that you don’t scoff at him—take the time to say hello to this wonderful and committed resource; he’s always there for PAHS and our Port Angeles community! Thank you Officer Rife!