For many students, their first interaction with law enforcement happens at school. At the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, school resource officers work every day to make sure those interactions are built on trust, compassion and connection.
Two of those school resource officers, Shanice Coates and Destiny Gordon, represent a new generation of policing in Lexington County schools. Though both are in their first year as SROs, their impact is already being felt far beyond the hallways they patrol.
Building trust from day one
Coates began her career with LCSD in February 2025 and started in her middle school assignment when the school year began in August. From the start, she knew she had found the right fit.
“They say if you find a job or career that you love, it doesn’t feel like a job, and I can 100% agree,” Coates said. “I enjoy going every day.”
Her approach is simple but powerful. Show up, be human and build real relationships.
“I just let them know that as police officers, we are humans as well. We just wear a badge. We’re here to protect y’all and make y’all feel comfortable.”
One of her favorite parts of the day happens before classes even begin, greeting students in the bus and car lines every morning.
“I make everyone say good morning,” she said. “Now when they see me, they automatically start saying good morning. That lets me know the small things that I do are working.”
For Coates, being an SRO is not about standing on the sidelines. She makes it a point to be fully involved in the school community and works closely with administrators to find the best path forward for students.
“All kids don’t need to be thrown in the system,” she said. “We may find other routes to handle the situation for kids.”
From the classroom to the hallways
At Piney Woods Elementary, Gordon brings a unique perspective to her role because before becoming a deputy, she was a teacher.
“I absolutely adore my job,” Gordon said. “I get to focus on relationships ten times more than curriculum and lesson plans.”
Known affectionately by students as “G-Force,” Gordon has a gift for connecting with kids, often trading nicknames with them as a way to build trust. For her, the goal is simple. Make sure students do not see law enforcement as something to fear.
She recalls one young student who was terrified of police officers due to a previous bad experience.
“He used to hide underneath a table every time I came in the room,” she said. “Now he runs and jumps in my arms when he sees me.”
Moments like that define the heart of her work.
“I want him to know that we are not somebody there to cause stress or harm, but we are there to help.”
Wearing many hats
Both officers describe the SRO role as far more than just security. Gordon regularly spends time helping in special needs and behavioral classrooms, offering what she calls “brain breaks” for students who need time to reset.
“Sometimes kids just need a break,” she said. “Eight hours is a long day, especially for a child who is on the spectrum or dealing with behavioral issues.”
She will take students for walks, spend time in sensory rooms or give them space to calm down before returning to class, supporting both the students and the teachers.
Coates shares that same mindset of involvement and support, making herself part of the daily rhythm of the school rather than an outsider looking in.
“I’m not that SRO that stays out of the loop. I’m in it,” she said.
Proving themselves
Both officers admit being new faces in their schools came with challenges.
Gordon, who had previously been known at the school as a parent, faced early doubts. Those quickly disappeared during a real emergency when a bus driver collapsed. She stepped in, began CPR and managed the situation until EMS arrived.
“I think that is when they really saw me in that mode,” she said. “After that, everything changed.”
Today, she says the staff and administration fully embrace her as part of the team. They even awarded her a purple cape and dubbed her the school’s “superhero.”
A message to future deputies
When asked what they would say to someone considering a career with LCSD or becoming an SRO, both officers are quick to encourage them.
“Do it,” Coates said. “Everybody has to find their niche. Somewhere along the way, you will find exactly what you are meant to do.”
Gordon agrees.
“You do not just wear one hat. You wear multiple. If you enjoy that kind of role and responsibility, absolutely go for it.”
Why Lexington County
Both officers also spoke passionately about what makes LCSD different.
“Lexington County is an amazing place to work,” Gordon said. “They offer training constantly. They want you to better yourself.”
Coates echoed that sentiment.
“When I came to Lexington County, I was like, I have literally found my family,” she said. “They do not look over us. We are offered the same training as any other road deputy.”
More than law enforcement
At the end of the day, both officers see their work as something bigger than enforcement.
It’s about relationships.
It’s about showing up.
It’s about changing how the next generation sees the badge.
And in Lexington County schools, that impact is already being felt, one “good morning,” one brain break and one hug at a time. If you are looking for more than just a job and want a career built on purpose, teamwork and service, we invite you to explore current opportunities with LCSD.