The Statewide School Resource Officer (SRO) Program Grant provides funding to local law enforcement entities to place one full-time, POST-certified SRO in each K-12 public school and public charter school in Tennessee. Local law enforcement agencies are eligible to apply for funding not to exceed $75,000 per year, per SRO, per school for which they are responsible for providing SRO services.

SROs provide the crucial link between schools and law enforcement agencies in their continued efforts to establish and maintain safe and secure learning environments. An SRO acts as a liaison between the police, the school, and the community. As part of their day-to-day operations, SROs are responsible for responding to all criminal acts committed at the school.

Most of an SRO’s time is spent interacting with youth. An SRO should connect with students, develop beneficial and enriching relationships, and have a positive effect on the school’s overall climate. The duties of SROs include monitoring those who visit schools, providing assistance for disruptive students, and enforcing applicable laws.

SRO Program Grant Application Instructions
The SRO Program Grant application must be completed for the 2024-2025 year and include an executed copy of the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). MOUs on the previous years’ template will not be accepted. As part of the grant contract process, applicants must submit the Department of Finance & Administration Supplier Direct Deposit Authorization directly to the Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration, if they have not already done so in the past.