The Moore County Board of Commissioners has approved funding for 14 additional school resource officers as the Sheriff’s Office prepares to assume responsibility for law-enforcement services in county schools.
The unanimous decision brings the number of planned Sheriff’s Office school resource officer positions to 27. Commissioners also approved the budget amendment needed to fund the additional positions.
Transition Scheduled for January
The Moore County Sheriff’s Office is scheduled to take over school law-enforcement responsibilities on January 1. Commissioners previously authorized 13 positions but were initially advised that it could take 12 to 18 months beyond the transition date to recruit and hire the complete staff.
Recruitment has reportedly moved more quickly than anticipated. Sheriff’s Office officials told commissioners that approximately 22 candidates have committed to the positions, leaving five additional openings still being recruited.
The department now expects to be close to fully staffed when the transition occurs and hopes to have all 27 positions filled by January 1.
Budget Impact and Preparations
The 14 new positions carry an initial financial impact of approximately $680,000. Some personnel are expected to begin work before January to assist with logistics, training, command organization and required certifications.
The Sheriff’s Office told commissioners that equipment is ready for all 27 positions and that no additional equipment funding is currently needed. Officials said the equipment preparations were completed within the department’s existing budget.
The expanded staff will place deputies in schools as part of the county’s effort to maintain campus security and provide a law-enforcement presence for students and employees.
Source: Read more from Sandhills Sentinel.
