GADSDEN, Ala. — The Etowah County’s School Safety and Security Committee voted Friday to hire retired police agents to serve as school resource officers (SROs).
To hire retired officers as SROs, as well as waive physical requirements for certification from the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission, legislation is needed, The Gadsden Times reports. The city council and the town’s mayor have already voiced their support for the legislation.
The Gadsden Police Department already has three SROs. If the proposal is approved, the additional officers would be placed at elementary and middle schools. Most of the retired officers interested in the SRO positions are in their late 40s or 50s.
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