2018-2019 School Resource Officer and School Security Officer Incentive Grant Program

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is offering state funds through the School Resource Officer/Security Officer Incentive Grant Program to establish new and continue existing School Resource Officer (SRO) positions in local law enforcement agencies, and School Security Officer (SSO) positions in local school divisions for fiscal year 2018/2019. A primary goal of this grant program is to establish, enhance, and continue the partnerships between local law enforcement agencies and local school divisions.

These guidelines contain the rules and requirements governing the School Resource Officer/School Security Officer Incentive Grant Program, the required grant application forms, and instructions for completing and submitting your application.

A "School Resource Officer" means a certified law-enforcement officer hired by the local law-enforcement agency to provide law-enforcement and security services to Virginia public schools.  Localities are encouraged to consider School Security Officer positions when additional security presence is merited yet the full functions of a School Resource Officer may not be suitable.

A “School Security Officer” is defined as an individual who is employed by the local school board for the purpose of maintaining order and discipline, preventing crime, investigating violations of school board policies, and detaining students violating the law or school board policies on school property or at school-sponsored events. New for 2018-2019, the SSO may be a full-time or part-time employee.