Columbia County Police Chief Highlights Importance of School Resource Officers for Student Safety and Community Collaboration
EVANS, Ga. – The importance of having School Resource Officers (SROs) on campuses was emphasized by Columbia County School District Police Chief Gary Owens, who shared updates on the district’s current SROs and the requirements to become one. Owens stressed that the presence of SROs is vital in light of current national events.
“In today’s world, it’s crucial to have that first responder in the school,” Chief Owens stated, reflecting on the growing safety concerns that have made the role of school officers even more critical.
SROs in Columbia County are state-certified and possess full jurisdiction within the state of Georgia. This certification allows them to charge or arrest individuals during school hours or at school-related events. Owens explained that the district’s own officers are better suited to meet the unique needs of the schools compared to local law enforcement agencies.
“The police departments and sheriff’s offices we work with don’t have to allocate resources to the schools,” Owens said, explaining that having dedicated officers in the school system is both efficient and effective.
Currently, the Columbia County School District employs 40 POST-certified officers who serve in elementary, middle, and high schools across the district. Owens noted that the approach to SRO deployment varies across counties, with some areas having fewer schools and smaller law enforcement agencies that may need additional support. He mentioned that Columbia County often assists other agencies in becoming certified as law enforcement entities to ensure they can provide adequate resources for their schools.
“Some of the agencies we work with have only 2 or 3 schools in their district, and it’s definitely beneficial for us to help them become certified as law enforcement agencies,” Owens explained.
In addition to their work in individual schools, Owens highlighted the role of partnerships in the region, particularly with Augusta Strong, a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing local relationships and improving crisis response strategies.
“Becoming part of Augusta Strong might sound surprising, but it strengthens everyone involved. We work together and, in the event of a crisis, we are unified in our response,” said Owens.
Beyond the role of SROs in maintaining safety, Chief Owens emphasized that their presence in schools fosters positive relationships between students and law enforcement.
“Being in schools helps build a bond that wouldn’t otherwise be there. When I was in school, we didn’t have officers around. Now, I see kids high-fiving and talking to these officers. They’re not there just to make arrests — we want every child to succeed,” Owens noted.
Chief Owens also urged parents to stay engaged with their children’s education and school life. He reminded them that the SROs are not only there to ensure safety but also to offer support to both students and their families when needed.
