Republican Rep. Tim Rudd reintroduced a bill for the 2025 legislative session that aims to address the shortage of School Resource Officers. The bill seeks to allow veterans and retired law enforcement officers to be hired in these roles.
The bill, which was previously passed by the House but failed in the Senate during the last legislative session, would enable public charter schools to employ honorably discharged veterans and retired law enforcement officers as School Resource Officers.
The proposal mandates that applicants complete 40 hours of basic training in school policy, pass a firearm eligibility test, obtain authorization to carry a firearm on school grounds, undergo a psychiatric evaluation, and clear an FBI criminal history check.
According to Rudd, the primary focus is on safeguarding children and addressing the scarcity of resource officers in rural areas. He stated to WTVC, “This certainly won’t solve the shortage problem, but it will help.” Rudd added, “Ultimately, it’d be up to the school system whether they want to use them, and what guidelines and rules they put in place.”
Rudd emphasized that while the bill benefits veterans and retired law enforcement officers, the main objective is the protection of children. He believes this measure could offer veterans a renewed sense of purpose and serve as positive role models for students.
McCamish, a Navy veteran of over 20 years, expressed support for the proposal, highlighting the potential for veterans to contribute their skills to the school environment. He mentioned to WTVC, “They have all the skills that would be necessary to bring into the environment of a school environment as a resource officer.”
TENNESSEE SCHOOL SHOOTER ‘SIGNIFICANTLY INFLUENCED’ BY MATERIAL FOUND ON ‘HARMFUL’ WEBSITES: POLICE
TENNESSEE SCHOOL SHOOTER WHO KILLED 1, INJURED ANOTHER IDENTIFIED AS TEEN STUDENT: POLICE
The transition for veterans from military to civilian life can be challenging, but McCamish believes that they could serve as excellent role models for students. He remarked, “There just couldn’t be a better fit than having veterans as a role model to students in either a resource officer position or just to be a part of the school life.”
The Tennessee State Capitol is seen on Jan. 22, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
