Moore County elementary school deputies will soon be on campus at two local schools as part of a new safety initiative.
The Moore County Board of Education is launching a trial program to place off-duty sheriff’s deputies at Cameron Elementary and High Falls Elementary. The move comes as the district continues efforts to recruit full-time school resource officers.
Short-Term Solution for School Safety
Superintendent Tim Locklair said the district is working under its existing memorandum of understanding with the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputies will not technically serve as SROs but will maintain jurisdictional authority while on campus. Officials say the goal is to gather data on staffing, cost, and coverage rates.
The sheriff’s office will charge $55 per hour per deputy. The funding will come from already budgeted but currently unfilled SRO positions.
Recruitment Efforts Continue
District leaders say this is a temporary measure while they continue recruiting additional full-time officers for Moore County Schools.
State rules limit how many hours deputies can work without completing additional resource officer training.
School safety remains a top priority across Moore County, including communities in Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Pinehurst.
For continued updates on local education and safety, visit Moore County Schools or stay connected with Star 102.5.