The Utah School Security Task Force reported significant progress in enhancing school safety during its meeting on September 22, 2025. A key highlight was the increase in School Resource Officers (SROs) across the state, with estimates suggesting that the number has risen from approximately 270 last year to nearly 300 this year. This growth reflects ongoing efforts by local law enforcement agencies to bolster security in educational environments.
The task force, in collaboration with the state security division, is conducting annual visits to local education agencies (LEAs) to assess their compliance with safety statutes. This proactive approach aims to ensure that schools are adequately prepared and equipped to handle security challenges.
In addition to SROs, the program has successfully trained 525 guardians across 20 LEAs, further strengthening the safety framework within schools. This initiative has garnered support from county security chiefs and local law enforcement, highlighting a community-wide commitment to improving school safety.
As the task force continues its efforts, the focus remains on maintaining and enhancing these security measures, ensuring that students and staff can learn and work in a safe environment. The ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and educational institutions is expected to yield further improvements in school security in the coming years.