FWPD Official: School Resource Officers in Elementary Schools are ‘not cost-effective’

Fort Worth, TX (WBAP/KLIF) – School resource officers are also an important part of Fort Worth ISD’s safety plan. Fort Worth Policeman Ethan Judd took on the role last October at the districts Arlington Heights High School. Officer Judd told our sister station WFAA-TV that it is something that he is committed to in an effort to keep the school safe.

In the wake of the mass school shooting in Uvalve, Texas the school has installed remote-controlled door locks, exterior doors that require pass keys and more cameras are being installed around campus.

At present there are two student resource officers in Fort Worth high schools; one in middle schools and none contracted to elementary schools.

Fort Worth Assistant Police Chief Joseph Sparro told a city council work session on Tuesday, it isn’t cost-effective to use them.

Sparrow told the council that a price projection to add school resource officer to all school is about $80 million. In response, City Councilmember Chris Nettles said that budge issues can’t be an issue when lives are on the line. He added that city council should begin working with school districts to make sure we can start staffing at the elementary schools.”

Assistant Chief Sparrow responded, “We would have to add more than 200 officers.”

Nettles replied, “I don’t care if you have to add 500.”