Wayne County approves $2.7M school resource officer program; county to cover just over $2M

The Wayne County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved on Aug. 5 a memorandum of understanding with Wayne County Public Schools to provide school resource officer (SRO) services for fiscal year 2025–26, including a budget amendment to fund the program.

County staff said the program’s total budget is approximately $2.787 million. After expected school and grant contributions the county’s net cost for the SRO program is “just over” $2 million, the county manager told commissioners. The agreement covers assignment of full‑time SROs at multiple campuses, joint SROs at paired elementary/middle schools and a rotating presence at other sites pending staffing and funding.

The sheriff’s office, present for the discussion, described the certification and training requirements for deputies who serve as SROs and said hiring and training to reach full staffing can take up to two years. Commissioners and the sheriff also discussed gaps that will persist while additional deputies are hired and trained. Commissioners asked staff to explore complementary solutions, including use of monitored technology pilots, to increase coverage where full‑time SROs are not yet assigned.

Under the MOU the schools and the sheriff’s office have defined roles and responsibilities, including limits on deputies’ access to student information and the duties deputies may perform. The agreement renews the prior arrangement and allocates the additional funds approved in the county budget; the sheriff may begin recruitment and assignment processes once the board approved the contract.

The board’s vote clears funding and authorizes the county manager to execute the MOU and related budget amendments. County and school officials said they will continue to coordinate on final school assignments, scheduling and recruitment timelines.