School Resource Officers
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the Madison County School District, is committed to providing area schools with a safe learning environment. This goal is the reason behind the program known as the School Resource Officer (SRO). The SRO program is a nationally accepted program involving the placement of a law enforcement officer within the educational environment.
The SRO serves as a counselor, role model, and advocate for students, families, faculty, and staff, while bringing personalized policing to an important segment of Madison County. The SRO is a recognized and approachable resource for students and faculty during and after school, at school events, and at various times throughout Madison County.
The SRO Program is composed of ten Deputy Sheriffs and allows for the Deputies to be on a Madison County School District campus eight hours a day, five days a week, during the academic school year. By working closely with the students, SROs are able to build a rapport with them and are often more approachable, become a resource for questions and advice and help develop positive attitudes. SROs work with teachers, parents and school staff to share responsibilities for crafting solutions to problems other than arrest.
In addition to being an active high profile law enforcement officer, SROs are a resource for students, parents, teachers and administration regarding law enforcement related issues. While there is an expectation of enforcement by the SRO it takes only a portion of their time. The rest of their response is in the area of prevention. On any given day you might find the officers giving presentations in a classroom or meeting and talking to students in the hallways. You will also find them during athletic events and school lunches.
During the summer when school is out, the SROs teach a one day Distracted Driving course. This course is taught at all the high schools within Madison County. It is a one day course and each student receives a certificate for attending this course.
The SROs also teach a week long Positive Leadership Summer Youth Camp. This camp is designed to award 5th and 6th graders who performed well during the school year. During this week, the students are treated to fun activities, guest speakers and on the last day, they have a field day where water slides and other water activities are brought in and placed on the football field. The students are provided snacks and lunch each day. They are also given a gift bag containing several items. This is provided to these students at no cost.
In 2015, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office along with the Madison County School System implemented the SAFE-2-TELL tip line. This gives everyone a way to pass on information regarding criminal activity, bullying, or any other issues and remaining anonymous.
The SRO Program was awarded two National Awards in 2014, National School Resource Officers Model Agency and School Safety Advocacy Council Exemplary School Safety Initiative Award.
Division Commander
Captain Cody Locke
(256) 533-8833 Office
Lieutenant William Black
Sergeant Andrew Lancaster
alancaster@madisoncountyal.gov