School Resource Officer Program
Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) partners with the Albemarle County Police Department to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) in our high schools. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, each of our three comprehensive high schools—Albemarle, Monticello, and Western Albemarle—has a dedicated SRO assigned to support safety and build positive relationships within the school community. The SRO program also includes a roving SRO who supports middle and high schools across the division as needed.
The program is overseen by the ACPS Office of Safety and Security and is designed to help maintain a safe, supportive learning environment for all students and staff.
Updated Memorandum of Understanding
ACPS and the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) have finalized an updated School Resource Officer (SRO) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for our high schools, signed November 4, 2025. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to keeping schools safe, welcoming, and inclusive for every student.
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.
How We Monitor the SRO Program
ACPS and the Albemarle County Police Department meet quarterly to review the SRO program, discuss achievements and challenges, and ensure it continues to support a safe and positive school climate. This review includes:
- School incident data reported to the Virginia Department of Education.
- Police activity data, such as calls for service and incident responses in and around schools.
- Annual school climate surveys completed by students, staff, and families.
- SRO performance information, including attendance, training, and reporting.
- SRO engagement activities, such as classroom visits, student groups, and school events.
These data points help ACPS and the Albemarle County Police Department understand how the program is working, identify trends, and make improvements over time.
Our School Safety Team
Many professionals—and all members of our school community—work together to support safety, connection, and well-being in our schools.
Feedback on the SRO Program (Spring 2025)
In spring 2025, ACPS gathered input about the SRO program through meetings, community conversations, engagement sessions, and a divisionwide family survey.
Most survey respondents viewed SROs very favorably, though many said their students had little direct experience with them. Families also hoped the program would be implemented thoughtfully to support safety and positive interactions, while some raised concerns about law enforcement becoming involved in situations that are usually handled through school discipline and about use of force.
This feedback informed updates to the SRO MOU and guides ongoing program monitoring.
Contact Information
ACPS Office of School Safety and Security
For general questions about the SRO program, school safety procedures, or other concerns:
📞 (434) 296-5820
Albemarle County Police Department
To share a compliment or a complaint about an SRO’s conduct:
📞 (434) 296-5807