FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2026
RRGSD and Halifax County Sheriff’s Office reach agreement on School Resource Officer Plan
At a special called session on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District (RRGSD) Board of Trustees unanimously voted to approve a three-year memorandum of understanding agreement with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) to provide sworn School Resource Officers (SROs) serving each of their school campuses. Under the agreement, the SROs will be employed by the district working under the authority of the Halifax County Sheriff as deputies with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.
“We are appreciative of the collaboration and partnership of Sheriff Davis and the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office in this endeavor and look forward to working with him and all law enforcement officers to ensure a safe and secure learning and working environment for our students and staff,” stated RRGSD Superintendent Dr. Bennett Jones. “From the moment we met about this possibility earlier this month, the Sheriff has been a tremendous partner in helping to solidify this agreement to ensure our current district safety officers could continue serving in the capacity of an SRO. I also want to express my appreciation and gratitude to Halifax County Board of Commissioners Chairman Vernon Bryant for his assistance in facilitating and expediting this agreement in such a short amount of time,” Jones said.
Under the agreement, the district-owned SRO cars will be conveyed all currently to the County of Halifax for proper marking and designation of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office. SROs will also wear HCSO uniforms as deputies under the Sheriff’s authority and certifications. The agreement provides up to four SROs, with the ability to add part-time assistance needed to help fill any vacancies or extended leave. Should any vacancies occur on a particular day, the district will utilize off-duty law enforcement to fill available shifts which are open to officers from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department as well as the HCSO.
“We are grateful for all of our law enforcement partners who are working with us to provide a safe learning environment each day and we appreciate the leadership of both Sheriff Davis and Roanoke Rapids Police Chief Lawrence Wiggins in helping to protect our students, staff, and visitors each day,” concluded Jones.
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