The Daviess County Public Schools Police Department has taken a step forward in its mission to ensure safe, supportive learning environments, with officers now officially sworn in as School-Based Law Enforcement Officers (SBLEOs).
Though the department has long functioned as an independent law enforcement agency, the new designation was formalized Thursday during the DCPS Board of Education meeting. Officials said the transition marks a deeper commitment to integrating officers within individual school campuses, expanding their roles beyond security into mentoring, education, and emergency preparedness.
“Our School Police Department has been an invaluable asset, and this transition to an even more school-based model will allow our officers to be even more proactive, accessible, and integrated into the daily lives of our students and staff,” said Matt Mason, DCPS assistant superintendent of student services. “This reinforces our commitment to providing the safest and most supportive learning environment possible.”
Officers will continue to perform traditional roles as sworn law enforcement, but their presence will now be more deeply embedded in daily campus life.
Assistant Chief Paul Mattingly said the core responsibilities of School Resource Officers (SROs) — including law enforcement, mentorship, education, and emergency management — remain unchanged under the SBLEO title. What evolves, he said, is the ability to tailor their presence more closely to the needs of each school.
”Our main goal is to continue to keep our students, staff, and administrators safe. That will still be our top priority,” Mattingly said. “But our officers are also excited about this opportunity to become even more integral members of our school communities. This enhanced model will allow us to build even stronger bonds with students and staff, fostering a greater sense of safety, trust, and understanding.”
Mattingly emphasized that DCPS police remain under the standards and oversight of the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC), including compliance with the Police Officer Professional Standards (POPS). Officers continue to serve on long-term school assignments and maintain a mutual aid relationship with the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.
