CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee — A Tennessee bill to address the shortage of School Resource Officers (SRO) has been brought back for the 2025 legislature session. It would let former military and police officers apply for the job.
On Friday, we talked to a man who served in the Navy. He mentioned that this could be a chance for veterans to find new meaning and be good examples for students.
“They have all the skills needed to be a resource officer in a school.”
For 21 years, Mickey McCamish says he served his country in the Navy.
He believes that moving from military life to civilian life can be tough for some people, but McCamish thinks there is no better role model for kids.
“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.”
As presented, the bill would allow public charter schools to hire “honorably discharged veterans” as well as “employ retired law enforcement officers” to serve as SROs.
The House approved the bill during the 2024 parliamentary session, but it did not get fully approved by the Senate.
Representative Tim Rudd (R-Murfreesboro-District 34) has brought back the bill for the 2025 legislative session.
Before someone can work at a school, they must complete 40 hours of basic training on school rules, pass a test to buy or own a handgun, get written permission to carry a gun on school property, go through a mental health assessment, and pass an FBI background check.
“They still need to complete their training.” Rep. Rudd says the goal is to find more resource officers in rural places to help keep our children safe.
This suggested bill will help a lot, but he believes it isn’t enough on its own.
“This won’t completely fix the shortage issue, but it will help.” In the end, it’s the school’s choice to decide if they want to use them and what rules they will set.
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