FBI, FDLE Authorize Florida District Police Department
The FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have authorized the Clay County School Board to move forward with forming the district’s own police department.
- By Jessica Davis
- March 27, 2019
The FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have authorized the Clay County School Board to move forward with forming the district’s own police department.
With this authorization, the district can immediately begin hiring full-time officers for positions at all of its 42 public schools, as well as some supervisory/leadership positions.
The district has been issued an originating agency identification number, which allows for the development of the Clay County School Board Police Department. The ID number also grants the district full access to the Florida Crime Information Center and National Crime Information Center to be used for law enforcement and criminal justice.
Clay Schools Superintendent Addison Davis and Kenneth Wagner, his recommended choice for police chief, plan to hold a series of community meetings throughout the county. Davis and Wagner want to discuss with parents, students, staff, faculty and county residents the establishment of the school police department, its timeline and expectations for its works.
As proposed, the Clay County School Board Police Department will consist of 47 staff members, including one chief, two lieutenants, four sergeants, 36 school resource officers and one detective.
The initial first-year start-up of the school police force will cost $6.1 million, but costs will drop to $4.2 million the second year. The cost includes salaries, benefits, equipment, fuel costs, training and paying for the interlocal contracts with the Green Cove Springs and Orange Park police departments.
About the Author
Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.