School Resource Officers
Each LCS secondary school has a school resource officer (SRO), or a law enforcement officer employed by the Lynchburg Police Department (LPD) and assigned to a school. From preparing crisis plans to safeguarding students, staff, and guests, SROs provide safety and security services while working full-time in the schools they serve. Learn more about SROs here.
School Security Officers
At all LCS elementary schools, school security officers (SSOs) cultivate a safe learning environment for students, staff, and guests. Unlike SROs, SSOs aren’t employed by the LPD. They are former police officers and have the same training as LPD officers, but they are now employees of the LCS School Board. The SSO program started in the 2023-24 school year at LCS elementary schools.
SSOs receive specialized training through the Benchmark Analytics VCS-CRCC Program. This training equips SSOs with the skills and mindset needed to respond effectively during the critical first five minutes of an active attack, a period when law enforcement response times average three to five minutes. This program emphasizes cooperation between SSOs, first responders, and community members to manage active threats.