Tennessee lawmaker reintroduces bill to allow veterans, retired cops to work as School Resource Officers

Tennessee State Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Address School Resource Officer Shortage

In an effort to address the shortage of School Resource Officers in Tennessee, Republican Rep. Tim Rudd has reintroduced a bill for the 2025 legislative session. The bill aims to allow veterans and retired law enforcement officers to be hired as School Resource Officers in public charter schools.

The proposal, which was previously passed by the House but failed to make it through the Senate, would require applicants to complete 40 hours of basic training in school policy, pass a test to purchase and possess a handgun, undergo a psychiatric evaluation, and pass an FBI criminal history check.

Speaking to WTVC, Rudd emphasized the importance of finding more resource officers, especially in rural areas, to protect children. While he acknowledges that the bill may not completely solve the shortage problem, he believes it will provide valuable support.

“It will help,” Rudd said. “Ultimately, it’d be up to the school system whether they want to use them, and what guidelines and rules they put in place.”

The bill has received support from veterans and retired law enforcement officers who see it as an opportunity to contribute to the safety of students. Mickey McCamish, a Navy veteran with over 20 years of service, believes that individuals with military and law enforcement backgrounds have the necessary skills to be effective role models in schools.

“They have all the skills that would be necessary to bring into the environment of a school environment as a resource officer,” McCamish expressed.

Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be challenging for some veterans, but McCamish believes that serving as School Resource Officers could provide them with a renewed sense of purpose.

“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,” he added.

The proposal aligns with efforts to enhance school safety and security, particularly in the wake of tragic incidents involving school shootings. By tapping into the expertise and experience of veterans and retired law enforcement officers, Tennessee aims to strengthen its school resource officer program and ensure the well-being of students across the state.