'Severe' staffing shortages warrant removal of officers from several schools, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office says

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WNCN) – Citing severe staffing shortages, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office says it will not be able to provide school resource officers for a number of schools across the county.

According to a news release from the Sheriff's Office Thursday, Sheriff Ennis Wright met with Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr., as well as chiefs and deputy chiefs of local law enforcement agencies to discuss the School Resource Officer (SRO) program.

While the existing contract with Cumberland County Schools expires June 30, the Sheriff's Office said it will only renew the contract for public schools located in geographic areas of Cumberland County without a municipal police department, with the exception of the town of Stedman.

“The agencies will work collaboratively with the Sheriff's Office by providing training to all agencies and the school board to develop contracts based on the current Cumberland County Sheriff's Office contract as well as mutual assistance agreements , protocols and operational functions for a more comprehensive approach. School Resource Officer Program,” the press release states.

The sheriff's office cited the “severe” shortage of law enforcement personnel as the reason behind the decision, saying it has “made it impossible” for the agency to continue providing an adequate number of law enforcement officers. school resources. Municipalities that have police departments will be responsible for providing SROS and traffic control officers for schools located within these municipalities starting at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, according to the office of the sheriff.

However, the Sheriff's Office will continue to provide school resource officers on an interim basis for summer school and year-round schools until the traditional school year begins in the fall.

“I will only sign agreements that I can fully honor,” Cumberland County Sheriff Ennis W. Wright said in a released statement. “Unfortunately, due to insufficient staffing, we are unable to provide school resource officers for all schools in the city. Entering into a contract would be irresponsible and reckless, knowing that we cannot fulfill it.

“School Resource Officers play a crucial role in improving the safety and well-being of the schools and communities they serve,” added Sheriff Wright. “I emphasize the importance of providing a school resource officer in all schools and the fact that the safety of our students is everyone's responsibility. It takes a village – or, in this case, all municipalities to work together.

In the press release, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office said it is committed to working with all local law enforcement and schools to prioritize the safety of students and staff.

The Cumberland County School System released the following statement Thursday evening:

“Earlier today, Cumberland County Schools leaders discussed our continued commitment to the safety and well-being of our students and staff with local law enforcement. We will continue to work closely with the Sheriff's Office and local police departments to provide a safe environment for everyone. All agencies remain committed to this common goal.