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Commission approves two SRO positions using reimbursement grant; debate continues over metal detectors and school security
Summary
Commissioners approved two school-resource-officer positions funded by a reimbursement grant (up to $75,000) and heard a debate about metal detectors and the limits of deterrence and operational costs.
Polk County commissioners approved funding for two school-resource-officer (SRO) positions that will be reimbursed by a grant of up to $75,000, county staff told the commission on Tuesday.
A county official identified in the agenda as presenting the SRO item said the county must spend the funds to receive the full reimbursement; if the money is not spent the county must return it. "We have to spend the money, and they reimburse us up to $75,000," the presenter said.
Commission discussion shifted to school security measures, including metal detectors. One commissioner asked whether grant or agency partners had considered metal detectors; a school official and others said the equipment is costly, operationally complex and creates staffing and logistical challenges. "If you've got 50 kids coming in at the same time, one magnetometer and you've got 49 kids standing out in the weather," one speaker said, arguing detectors require staffing and multiple units to be practical. Another commissioner said detectors are "more show than true prevention" and emphasized preventing weapons from entering buildings as the key objective.
Presenters said one SRO would be assigned to Polk Innovative Learning Academy and the other to the alternative school. Commissioners approved the motion to authorize the two positions; a formal roll-call tally was not recorded in the provided transcript excerpt.
Clarifying details from the discussion: the grant reimburses up to $75,000; the two SROs are designated for Polk Innovative Learning Academy and the county alternative school; concerns were raised about ongoing operating costs and whether detectors are an effective preventive measure without substantial additional staffing.
