The Alabama school system has started phasing in a new school protection officer (SPO) program. The district is working closely with Dothan Police to add officers with high-powered weapons to patrol schools. Unlike a school resource officer, an SPO has limited interaction with students, and is strictly there for safety and security.
Dothan City Schools has started phasing in the new School Protection Officer (SPO) program. The system is working closely with Dothan Police to add officers with high powered weapons to patrol schools.
“This program has been in the works for several months now. We heard a cry from the community for more protection officers in all our schools,” said Scott Faulks, director of Safety, Security and Attendance.
The SPO program is one piece of the comprehensive school safety plan put together by the Dothan Police Department to help keep students and staff safe from things like a potential active shooter. This position is different than a School Resource Officer. An SPO has limited interaction with students and are strictly there for safety and security.
