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Hamtramck council approves two school resource officers despite budget concerns
Summary
Council approved a contract to place two school resource officers in the Hamtramck Public Schools — one funded by the district and one by the city — after lengthy budget discussion and assurances staff would include the cost in the next fiscal plan.
Hamtramck — The City Council on April 21 approved Resolution 2026‑51 to place two school resource officers (SROs) with the Hamtramck Public Schools, a move officials said is intended to strengthen on‑campus safety after a recent violent incident.
"I have been in law enforcement for 31 years and I don't know any single jurisdiction that does not have school resource officers," the police chief told the council, urging support for the partnership. Under the agreement presented to council, the school district will fully fund one officer and the city will fund the other; staff said the positions collectively serve eight public schools and more than 3,000 students.
Council discussion focused on budget impacts. Several members noted the city has a projected deficit and asked whether general‑fund dollars or utility funds would be used; staff said the added city expense had been included in the next year’s budget planning and that the district would cover one full officer's cost. The chief also said officers assigned to schools would assist with juvenile complaints in the city and might be reassigned to other police functions during school breaks.
Council voted to approve the resolution after discussion and multiple members expressed the need to seek grants or other revenue sources to reduce general‑fund pressure. The council also tasked staff with continuing to explore grant opportunities and to monitor budgetary effects as the positions are integrated.
Supporters said SROs represent an important, proactive approach to student safety and to quicker on‑scene responses; critics asked that the council keep scrutiny on how the positions are funded and whether alternatives (grant funding or reallocations) could be used to avoid exacerbating the city’s projected shortfall.
The agreement is expected to take effect on the contract schedule with the school district; staff said the city has included the cost in budget planning for the coming fiscal year and will report back to council if funding plans change.
