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Douglas County renews cost‑share for school resource officers serving 57 schools
Summary
The Board approved the 2026–27 school resource officer cost‑share, continuing staffing that covers 57 schools with 37 deputies; the sheriff said SROs handled 4,497 calls in 2025 and the program includes therapy dogs and youth engagement work.
Douglas County commissioners voted June 23 to approve the county’s 2026–27 cost‑share agreement that maintains school resource officer (SRO) staffing across the district, the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff, speaking to the board, said the SRO program supports 57 schools in Douglas County and is staffed by 37 deputy sheriffs plus command personnel and sergeants. “In 2025 alone, our SROs handled 4,497 calls for service within our school district,” the sheriff said, adding that Safe2Tell tips average about 2,500 per year.
Board members framed the program as both protective and relational. Commissioner Layden described SROs as mentors and praised expanded programs such as youth academies and bicycle‑safety education. The board also noted the addition of therapy dogs to the program; the sheriff said one school is fully funding its own therapy dog and that the office is adding two more dogs to the cadre.
The vote: Commissioner Layden moved to approve the public contract for services to share SRO costs for 2026–27; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
What was said: Supporters pointed to specific incidents and benefits — including preventing disruption and responding to student crises — and to the program’s role in freeing district patrol resources for other duties. Students and deputies who attended the meeting described strong relationships with SROs.
What’s next: The approved cost‑share maintains current staffing levels and budgeted program resources for the coming school year.
