The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is offering state funds through the School Resource Officer and School Security Officer Incentive Grant Program for School Resource Officer (SRO) positions in local law enforcement agencies and School Security Officer (SSO) positions in local school divisions.  Funding was awarded under this program for implementation of a SRO at Spotswood Elementary School.  The grant does require a minimum local cash match as identified in the 2016-2018 Composite Index of Local Ability-to-Pay.  Spotsylvania County’s rate is 36.17%.  Grant funds can only be used to pay for salary and benefits for SRO/SSO positions.  The total amount requested for the SRO program may not exceed $50,000 per SRO position including the required local cash match.  Any costs associated with the SRO/SSO program above the grant award will be absorbed by the Sheriff’s Office.  In consultation with the Schools, the SRO position will be based at Spotswood Elementary School and cannot rotate to other schools.  Grants are awarded on a competitive basis for one year beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018.  Successful SRO programs can request annual continuation funding in ensuing years for a maximum of four years of grant funding.  Approval of one grant does not guarantee funding awards in subsequent years. There is no DCJS requirement to maintain the position after the first year.  Grant funds cannot be used to supplant local funds. 

On July 13th, the County received notification that funding for an SRO at Spotswood Elementary School was approved. The grant will provide $31,915, and based on the local composite index the required local match is $18,085.  However, it is estimated that an additional $13,297 will be needed above the local match to cover the additional costs associated with personnel, and $8,440 will be needed for overtime, training, equipment, supplies, and vehicle repairs. Therefore the total local portion for the SRO is estimated to be $39,822 in FY 2018.  The Sheriff’s Office is able to provide $4,901 from asset forfeiture for one time operational costs and anticipates that they can absorb the remaining $34,921 from their FY 2018 Adopted Budget.

DCJS also approved continuation grant funding for the two SROs based at 1) Courtland Elementary School and 2) Brock Road Elementary School.  The anticipated grant revenue of $63,830 for these two existing positions was already included in the FY 2018 Adopted Budget. 

Sheriff Roger Harris, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office

Major Carter Wells, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office

Captain James Bibens, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office

Captain Roger Harris II, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office

Annette D’Alessandro, Finance