Message About School Safety in Beaufort County | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    The start of a new school year is always met with anticipation, excitement, and usually a few nerves. However, this year I am pleased to offer just a little peace of mind to anxious parents and nervous students. When I set out to be your Sheriff, one of the things I committed to and vowed to address was school safety. The safety of our children and the task of hand picking those who would protect them will always be a top priority of my office.

    It brings me and the deputies who serve alongside me much pleasure to announce that at the beginning of this school year there will be more School Resource Officers (Sworn Deputies) in Beaufort County Schools than ever before. This includes having SROs in elementary schools. It is my personal goal in the future to work with the School Superintendent, the Beaufort County School Board, and the Beaufort County Commissioners to ensure my office has adequate funding and support to keep an officer in every public school in Beaufort County from now on.

    An SRO is an invaluable resource on a multifaceted level. They serve as a protector in the event of an active shooter, a positive role model for all students, and a friend to those who are struggling to make good choices. So, as your children are dropped off at school for, undoubtedly, an exciting year to come, know that they will be seeing the friendly face of a Deputy Sheriff in the halls and on the playground.

    Your Sheriff,

    Ernie Coleman

• Sheriff Ernie Coleman
•     Beaufort County Sheriff's Office