School resource officers report heavy outreach, raise training-funding concerns

Bedford County law enforcement told a Sept. 9 committee that school resource officers stayed busy during August with arrests, citations, mentoring and classroom instruction — and that funding for specialized training is tightening. The sheriff's office representative provided monthly SRO totals: three petitions or arrests, nine tobacco citations, 15 reports, eight informal adjustments, about 160 parent contacts, 26 home visits, 21 referrals to the Department of Children's Services, 477 mentoring contacts, 31 classroom instruction sessions, and dozens of officer-attended extracurricular and sporting events. The representative added the SROs did 27 drills during the month. Why it matters: Committees heard that SROs’ duties extend beyond security to mentoring and school engagement, and that maintaining specialized training is important to their role. Committee members asked about training and reimbursement. The sheriff's office representative said all deputies must receive a minimum of 40 hours of in‑service training annually, and SROs and judicial-services deputies require an additional 16 hours of specialized training focused on their assignments. Historically, the school system helped fund some travel and training; recent funding changes may reduce available support. The representative said many officers have paid out-of-pocket for specialized classes that include tuition, travel and hotel costs. Discussion vs. decision: This was an informational report; no new training policy or budget appropriation was adopted. Committee members expressed interest in ensuring funding for mandated training. What’s next: Committee members and staff indicated they will monitor training funding needs and discuss possible budget options if shortfalls continue.