RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster is urging South Carolinians to contact their state representatives after lawmakers denied crucial funding that would have expanded the number of Student Resource Officers (SROs) in the state. This decision comes amid an ongoing shortage of SROs, a situation that could result in nearly 200 fewer officers in schools over the next year.
Deputy Terry Dozier, an SRO with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at Blythewood High School, emphasized the importance of his role in fostering safety and security within schools. “We are officers, but that thing in the middle, being a resource, has been one of the most valuable tools we use,” Dozier explained. He noted that his daily interactions with students and access to important information, such as grades and family backgrounds, help him make a meaningful impact on student well-being.
A Student Resource Officer is a sworn law enforcement officer assigned to a school to ensure its safety and promote a positive learning environment. However, due to a lack of funding, many South Carolina schools could lose these crucial personnel…