SRO Program Grant

The Statewide School Resource Officer (SRO) Program Grant, administered by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, is a state-level funding initiative aimed at supporting school safety through law enforcement partnerships. The program enables local law enforcement agencies across Tennessee to apply for grant funding that facilitates the deployment of full-time, POST-certified School Resource Officers in every K-12 public, public charter, and alternative school throughout the state. With increasing concerns over school safety, the grant reflects the state’s commitment to establishing and maintaining secure, positive learning environments by ensuring a consistent and structured law enforcement presence in educational settings. Each eligible law enforcement agency may apply for an annual funding allotment of up to $75,000 per school, per SRO. This funding is intended to support the placement of one full-time officer at each designated school site under the agency’s jurisdiction. The officers funded through this grant are required to be POST-certified, ensuring that they meet the established standards of professionalism and training applicable to school environments. The primary role of SROs is to act as a liaison between law enforcement, schools, and the communities they serve. Their responsibilities encompass addressing school-based criminal activity, fostering youth engagement, enforcing relevant laws, and helping shape a positive school climate. SROs funded by this grant are expected to integrate with the school community, building rapport with students, assisting with behavioral issues, and monitoring visitors and external activity within school premises. By providing a direct and immediate law enforcement response capability within schools, the program intends not only to deter criminal activity but also to foster mutual trust between students and public safety personnel. Additionally, the presence of SROs supports broader efforts in violence prevention and crisis response. The application process for the 2025–2026 grant cycle requires local law enforcement agencies to submit a completed application along with a fully executed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that aligns with the current template provided by the state. MOUs from previous years or outdated versions will not be accepted. Applicants must also ensure their supplier payment information is current with the Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration via the required Direct Deposit Authorization form, unless this step has already been completed in previous years. The grant process does not reference pre-application steps such as Letters of Intent or concept papers. However, all applicants must submit the grant form and associated documentation according to the guidelines provided on the program’s official website. Details about evaluation criteria are not specified in the provided information, but compliance with the MOU template and law enforcement standards appears critical. No specific review metrics or scoring system is outlined. As of January 2026, the SRO Program Grant is open for the 2025–2026 academic year. No final application deadline is provided in the source material, nor is there information regarding recurring cycles or specific award notification dates. The program is geared exclusively toward Tennessee-based law enforcement agencies providing services to public educational institutions across the state. Further inquiries about the program can be directed to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, located at 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Nashville, TN 37243, via their central contact number at (866) 903-7357.