FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2018
Contact:
Kraig Troxell, Media Relations and Communications Manager, 703-771-5278
[email protected]
Alex Kowalski, Public Information Officer, 703-777-0625
[email protected]
Loudoun County, VA- The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office was honored to be named one of the best School Resource Officers Units in the United States after receiving the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Model Agency of the Year Award.
In a letter dated May 15, 2018, Janet Hyatt said on behalf of the NASRO Awards Committee, “although we had many worthy nominations, your agency’s tremendous accomplishments stood out to the committee. Your program is indeed a shining example of the school resource officers program.”
The Model Agency Award recognizes agencies that exemplify the NASRO Triad Concept, training, policies and standards. These practices ensure professional service to the school community.
“This recognition is a testament to the work of all of our school resource officers and our commitment to the safety of our students and school employees,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman. “These deputies work countless hours before, during and after-school hours to build strong bonds with the schools they serve.”
“This prestigious award from the National Association of School Resource Officers illustrates the value of the partnership between the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Loudoun County Public Schools,” said Dr. Eric Williams, Superintendent of Loudoun County Public Schools. “Together we provide a safe and secure learning environment for all students. Congratulations to all of our School Resource Officers!”
This is not the first time the LCSO has been recognized nationally for the agency’s school-based programs. In 2017, Sheriff Chapman was named the DEA/Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Law Enforcement Executive of the Year. The award is presented to a senior law enforcement officer who epitomizes an extraordinary commitment to drug prevention and enforcement.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s has had a presence in Loudoun County schools for over three decades when the D.A.R.E program was implemented in fifth grade classrooms in 1987.
In 1996, the LCSO began its School Resource Officer (SRO) program on the heels of extraordinary growth in the county. This growth in population in the county brought with it new schools and a need for the expansion of the SRO program. The LCSO initially began the SRO program with one deputy serving three high schools throughout the county. Today, there are 12 high schools, 13 middle schools and an alternative education school served by the LCSO, with each served by one of 26 SRO’s.
In the 2018-2019 school year, the LCSO will add an additional two SRO’s to fill positions for a new high school and a middle school. In addition, the agency plans to add a SRO floater position that helps assist other SRO staff in investigations.
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