EVANS, Ga. () – The BOE Chief of Police, Gary Owens, gave updates on the current school resource officers and the requirements to become one. He told me why it’s key to have them on campus. 

“What’s going on in our nation and even our country. It’s very important to have that first responder in the school,” said Chief Gary Owens, Columbia County School District Police.

School Resource Officers are state-certified with complete jurisdiction accredited by the state of Georgia. They can charge or arrest during school days or events.  Chief Owens says it is important for the school system to have its own officers.

“The Police departments and sheriff’s offices that we impact with, they don’t have to give resources to the school,” said Owens.

Columbia County School District has 40 POST-certified police officers.  They work in elementary, middle, and high schools.

“It’s different in different counties how it works, and there are certain agencies we’ve been helping other agencies become certified as a law enforcement agency. Because there are a lot of them that only have 2 or 3 schools in their district, and is it a benefit for them, absolutely,” said Owens.

Many agencies in the area are a part of Augusta Strong. The group helps build relationships and look at response strategies. 

“Becoming a part of Augusta Strong sounds crazy, but it makes us all stronger. We work together, and in the event of a crisis, we’re all unified,” said Owens.

And Chief Owens says Having Police Officers in schools is about more than just safety. 

“Being in there builds that bond and that partnership that never would have seen before. When I was going to school, and I’m a pretty old person, they didn’t have police officers in the school. But now I see kids they high five, they talk to these officers. They’re not there just to make an arrest. We want every child to succeed,” said Owens.

The Chief wants to remind parents to talk with their children and get involved in their school life. He says the officers are there for you when you need them.