Madison County School Resource Officers are making a real impact in Jackson. Their mission is clear: ensure safety, respond to emergencies, and monitor school grounds with care and consistency. With support from a Homeland Security grant, every school in Madison County now has at least one SRO, and each high school has two.
Jeff Wall, Commissioner at Madison County Tennessee Government (left), and Sheriff Julian Wiser (Middle) Speaking at Biscuits ‘n’ Tips.
A Growing Team with Heart
The SRO Division includes 31 officers and 3 supervisors. Diversity is a strength here:
- 3 Spanish-speaking officers
- 6 female officers (19%, above the national average of 12%)
- 5 African American officers
This range of backgrounds helps build trust and diffuse conflict across Madison County schools. Officers like Sgt. Bill Young and Captain Luke Finney lead with compassion and experience, supported by an analyst and a captain who reflect the community they serve.
“…the Sheriff has picked up trash. We won’t ask us to do what he won’t do.”
Training That Makes a Difference
Each officer completes a 40-hour basic course and 16 hours of ongoing training. Madison County even shares its curriculum with other West Tennessee departments. Select officers also lead the DARE program, helping students understand drug prevention, self-esteem, and decision-making.
Captain Luke Finney (left), and Sgt. Bill Young (right) pictured together during Biscuits ‘n’ Tips.
Safety by the Numbers
In the 2024–2025 school year:
- 67 threats of mass violence were investigated
- 91 suspicious situations were addressed
- 30 arrests were made
Thanks to proactive strategies like tactical training, Left of Bang threat response, and partnerships with TN Homeland Security and Juvenile Court, these numbers are trending down.
Beyond the Badge
SROs are more than law enforcement. They’re mentors, educators, and trusted adults. They attend ballgames, respond to crises, and work closely with families. Two officers specialize in social media threats, and the team uses phone data tools to support investigations. When arrests aren’t appropriate, they connect students with Youth Villages or DCS for support.
Community Connection
With 13,150 students and 2,100 school employees, the officer-to-student ratio is about 1:439. That’s a 170% increase in staffing since 2022. Officers are trained to understand adolescent behavior and intervene early. They work closely with parents, grandparents, and school staff to keep kids safe and in school.
Join the Team
Interested in becoming part of this mission? Apply through the Madison County Sheriff’s Office:
Together, we’re building safer schools and stronger communities across Madison County. The Ledge warmly thanks Julian Wiser – Madison County Sheriff, Captain Luke Finney – SRO Division Leader, Sgt. Bill Young – SRO Supervisor, Jeff Wall – Commissioner in Madison County for serving Madison County and taking time out of their schedules to join us in the Spring Creek community!
