Aiken County, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Aiken County is receiving two new school resource officer (SRO) positions as part of a statewide initiative to enhance school safety. Announced by Governor Henry McMaster, the program aims to ensure every school in South Carolina has at least one resource officer. With many campuses lacking full-time SROs, the initiative also addresses rising academic concerns among students, fostering a safer learning environment. Funding has been allocated to support these new positions, allowing for increased safety and community relations.
Aiken County to Receive New School Resource Officers Amid Statewide Initiative for School Safety
Aiken County is set to welcome two new school resource officer (SRO) positions following an announcement from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster regarding a statewide initiative aimed at enhancing school safety. This initiative intends to ensure that every school in the state has at least one resource officer on site.
The new SRO positions come as recent test results indicate serious academic concerns in the state, with fewer than two-thirds of students reading at their grade level and less than half achieving proficiency in math. The presence of SROs is thought to contribute to a safer learning environment, thereby allowing students to focus better on their education.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has been allocated funding for the recruitment of these positions, with the responsibility to fill them within 180 days. Currently, in Aiken, the Department of Public Safety has assigned one officer to each high school and middle school, yet only one elementary school has a dedicated SRO at present. Efforts are ongoing to expand the number of officers in Aiken County as staffing resources allow.
Aiken County remains significantly underserviced in terms of SRO presence, with 15 campuses lacking a full-time officer. The county ranks second in the state for the highest number of schools without such positions, behind Horry County, which has 29 schools without dedicated resource officers. In order to rectify this, Aiken County school officials are applying for additional funding that would help cover more SRO positions.
Governor McMaster has requested nearly $30 million in his initiative for hiring and training SROs for schools still in need. In a recent allocation, the House Ways and Means Budget Committee earmarked $3.7 million from the proposed funding to begin addressing this gap. Across South Carolina, a total of 177 schools are currently without a full-time SRO.
The need for SROs has gained momentum since 2018, which has seen the number of full-time officers in South Carolina rise from 406 to 1,106. Specific areas, such as Bamberg County, are also in need, with one additional officer required for its lone school without a resource officer. Edgefield County officials have reiterated the importance of securing full-time SROs for enhancing safety and fostering effective communication within schools.
In Aiken County, the City Council has approved a grant amounting to $346,513, which will help fund additional SRO positions, including one specifically for Chukker Creek Elementary School. The state will cover the full salary, vehicle, and equipment costs for the new SROs during their first year of service.
Currently, Aiken Public Safety has secured three state-funded SRO positions in select schools. The overarching objectives of this initiative are to bolster safety in schools and to cultivate positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. The City Council also highlighted the vital role of parental involvement and school support in ensuring discipline and safety remains a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are school resource officers (SROs)?
School resource officers (SROs) are law enforcement officers assigned to schools to ensure safety, enforce laws, and promote positive relationships between students and law enforcement.
How many schools in Aiken County currently lack an SRO?
Aiken County has 15 campuses that currently lack a full-time school resource officer.
What funding has been allocated for new SRO positions?
The House Ways and Means Budget Committee has allocated $3.7 million of the nearly $30 million requested by Governor McMaster to hire and train school resource officers.
How long do local authorities have to fill the new SRO positions?
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office has a period of 180 days to fill the newly allocated SRO positions.
Key Features of the Initiative
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New SRO Positions | Two additional school resource officers allocated to Aiken County |
| Current SRO Count | One officer per high school and middle school; only one elementary school has an SRO |
| Funding Amount | $3.7 million allocated of the nearly $30 million requested |
| Schools Without SROs | Aiken County has 15 schools without full-time SROs |
| Statewide Need | 177 schools across South Carolina lack a full-time SRO |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Aiken County Expands School Resource Officer Program
Aiken city council updates: Who voted what in recent key votes
Aiken road closures: Impact on emergency services and resident preparedness
Aiken County Schools Enhance Security and Facilities
Aiken city council updates: affordable housing, bike lane pilot & noise ordinance
Safety Assured After Suspicious Incident Involving Students
No Ongoing Threat After White Van Incident Near Aiken School Bus Stop
Aiken County Sheriff Outlines Goals for Law Enforcement
Aiken County Students Return to Enhanced Safety Measures
Aiken County Schools Enhance Safety Measures for Students
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Update on School Safety Officers in Aiken County
- Wikipedia: School Resource Officer
- WJBF: SC Governor Denies Requested Funds for School Resource Officers
- Google Search: School Safety
- Post and Courier: Aiken Elementary School Gets a School Resource Officer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
