The students of Jackson County will now be under the protection of Jackson County’s fleet of deputies, as the sheriff’s office assumes security on all schools in the county.
On Wednesday, April 28, the Jackson County School Board voted to enter into a contract with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office; per the contract, the sheriff’s office’s deputies will provide security for all of the schools in Jackson County.
Shortly following the vote, the contract was signed between the school district and Sheriff Donnie Edenfield.
This decision, which will become effective on July 1, will replace the current Jackson County School Board Police Department and will be in effect for 12 months at a time.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, this partnership will benefit the students and staff of the school district, as well as the citizens of the county.
According to the sheriff’s office announcement, once the transition takes place, every school resource deputy will have full authority throughout the county, should their duties require them to follow-up on a situation off-campus.
Additionally, the school system will have the full resources of the sheriff’s office to pull from, including the Criminal Investigations Division, Training Division, Narcotic Detection K-9’s and much more.
During the summer months, when school is not in regular session, school resource deputies may be called upon to assist with the Teen Driving Challenge, Sheriff’s Office Summer Camps, and summer school.
As this partnership will require growth of the sheriff’s office, the agency is currently accepting applications for the position of school resource deputy.
Applicants must be 19 years of age and hold current Law Enforcement Standards in Florida. They must be able to pass a background investigation, psychological evaluation, and physical.
According to the sheriff’s office, Sheriff Donnie Edenfield is excited about taking on the challenge of providing a safe and supportive learning environment for the students, educators, and support staff of the Jackson County School District.
“Sheriff Edenfield would also like to express his sincere gratitude to all of the school board members and to Superintendent Steve Benton for their support in making this endeavor a reality,” writes the sheriff’s office.
Ashley Hunter – editor@prioritynews.net
Photos Courtesy of Jackson County Sheriff’s Office
