EVANS, Ga. – In an era of heightened safety concerns, Columbia County School District is prioritizing student safety with a robust presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) across its campuses. Gary Owens, the Chief of Police for the district, provided updates on the current deployment of SROs and the critical role they play in maintaining a secure school environment.

Owens explained that the presence of SROs is more important than ever, given the growing concerns around school safety nationwide. “What’s going on in our nation and even our country, it’s very important to have that first responder in the school,” said Owens, emphasizing the significance of having officers readily available in the event of an emergency.

SROs in Columbia County are not just any law enforcement officers; they are state-certified with full jurisdiction across school properties, accredited by the state of Georgia. This means they have the authority to make arrests and charges during school days or at school-related events. Owens pointed out that the school district’s officers are not reliant on local police or sheriff’s departments, which allows the school system to maintain its own dedicated security force.

Currently, Columbia County School District boasts 40 POST-certified officers, who serve in elementary, middle, and high schools across the district. This approach, according to Owens, is distinct from other counties where districts may have fewer schools and limited law enforcement resources. Some smaller districts, he explained, rely on neighboring agencies for assistance, a strategy that can sometimes pose challenges due to resource limitations.

Collaboration is a key component of Columbia County’s safety strategy. Many local law enforcement agencies are part of a collective effort known as Augusta Strong, a coalition aimed at enhancing relationships between agencies and improving crisis response strategies. Owens highlighted that being a part of Augusta Strong has strengthened the community’s overall response capability, making agencies more unified in times of crisis.

However, the role of SROs extends beyond mere enforcement of laws. Owens emphasized the importance of building trust and relationships between officers and students. “Being in there builds that bond and that partnership that never would have been seen before,” he said. Reflecting on his own school days, Owens noted that police officers were not present in schools when he was a student. Today, however, officers are often seen engaging with students—giving high-fives, striking up conversations, and offering mentorship. “They’re not there just to make an arrest. We want every child to succeed,” Owens added, highlighting the positive influence officers can have in fostering a supportive school environment.

Chief Owens also reminded parents of the importance of staying involved in their children’s school life. By maintaining open lines of communication with both educators and officers, parents can help ensure that their children receive the best possible support, both academically and personally.

As Columbia County continues to prioritize school safety, the district’s approach to deploying and integrating SROs into the school community offers a model for other regions aiming to create safer, more supportive educational environments for students and staff alike.