School Resource Officer

Job Purpose

Are you passionate about law enforcement and seeking a rewarding career with excellent prospects for career advancement and development? Join the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

Why should you consider becoming a School Resource Officer?  An SRO is a deeply impactful career choice, centered around inspiring and protecting students within a nurturing community. As an SRO, you forge meaningful connections, leaving a lasting positive impact on young minds. Your unwavering commitment nurtures trust and bridges the gap between law enforcement and the community. Empowering students to embrace their potential is a rewarding experience. This esteemed role calls for individuals passionate about making a difference, leaving an indelible mark on the future of our children and fostering a safer, brighter, and more promising community for all.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Enforce local, federal, and state laws to ensure public safety and welfare.
• Perform routine patrols, respond to emergencies, maintain order, and apprehend law violators.
• Support criminal investigations by conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and providing case follow-up.
• Prepare cases for prosecution and offer court testimony as required.
• Identify and address potential problems, investigating incidents related to schools.
• Serve as a role model, counselor, mentor, and instructor, fostering a positive and safe learning environment.
• Provide vital information, resources, and referrals to students and staff.
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to gather, analyze, and share criminal intelligence.
• Coordinate effective emergency response plans with school officials, utilizing advanced techniques.
• Demonstrate sound judgment to ensure positive outcomes in school settings.
• Organize, schedule, and plan law enforcement services for extracurricular events on and off school campuses.
• During the school year, SROs typically work during school hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening or weekend shifts for special events or extended school hours. During summer and school breaks, SROs will typically assist patrol activities.

Job Specifications and Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• While prior law enforcement experience is valuable, it is not mandatory. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply who meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:
  1. Possess an associate’s degree.
  2. Hold a Law Enforcement Certification.
  3. Have Military Police experience.
  4. Serve a minimum of three years in any military service.

Licensing and Certifications:

• Hold a valid South Carolina Driver’s License.
• Already Class 1 certified officers – you will be hired directly into the SRO position.  If an SRO position is not available, you will be entered onto a waiting list, or allowed to begin employment as a Patrol Deputy with priority to promote to SRO as soon as a position becomes available.
• If not already Class 1 Certified, training at the SC Criminal Justice Academy for Class 1 Certification, required for this position, will be provided by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department at no cost to you.  You will be entered onto an SRO interest list for career development to that position.
• Likewise, School Resource Officer certification will also be provided.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be a resident of the State of South Carolina.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• This role requires physical stamina and strength to fulfill the duties effectively.
• Physical tasks include lifting and moving objects weighing up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly.
• You will engage in verbal communication, active listening, visual observation, prolonged standing, walking, running, bending, kneeling, reaching, climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling, and lifting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and ensures equal employment opportunities for all applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.