Updated School Resource Officer Agreement

Dear Students, Families & Staff:

Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) and the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) have finalized an updated School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for our high schools. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to keeping schools safe, welcoming, and inclusive for every student.

Your Feedback Matters

The updated MOU is based on input gathered through meetings, community conversations, engagement sessions, and a divisionwide SRO Program Family Survey held last spring. Families and community members told us they want schools that are safe and supportive—places where officers are visible, approachable, and respectful. We also heard from our community that they value:

• A clear separation between school discipline and law enforcement duties.
• Strong and continuing training for SROs.
• Fair and respectful treatment for all students.
• More opportunities for immigrant families, students with disabilities, and students of color to share their experiences and ideas.

Highlights from the Updated MOU

• Building community: The updated MOU strengthens the partnership between ACPS and ACPD and promotes positive, respectful relationships between SROs, students, and staff.
• Defined roles: SROs are law enforcement officers who support safety and emergency response. They do not handle routine discipline.
• Training and accountability: SROs complete state certification and ongoing training in mental health awareness, de-escalation, disability awareness, cultural understanding, and bias prevention.
• Student privacy: Student information is protected under federal and state law (FERPA) and shared only when allowed by law or during an emergency that affects health or safety.
• Transparency: ACPS will post the current MOU and other program information on its website and update it during each review cycle.
• Respect for all families: ACPD has no legal authority to enforce federal immigration laws and is not responsible for immigration detention orders. ACPD also does not ask about the immigration status of victims and witnesses, including ACPS students and families.
• Ongoing review: ACPS and ACPD will meet regularly to review the SRO program and share public updates with the School Board.

Learn More

📄 View the updated MOU: Memorandum of Understanding: School Resource Officer Program
🔎 Visit our website: School Resource Officer Program

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the ACPS Office of School Safety and Security at (434) 296-5820. To share a compliment or complaint about an SRO’s conduct, please contact the Albemarle County Police Department at (434) 296-5807.

Thank you for your partnership.