The Knoxville City Council approved the continuation of a 28E agreement with the Knoxville School District on the school resource officer program. This program first started in 2012, and involves a Knoxville Police officer providing services and companionship with the students. City Manager Heather Ussery says both sides fully support the program.

“This is an amendment to the agreement to allow for another three years. The school pays 50 percent of his wages and benefits since a big portion of his time is spent in the schools. The city and the school district support this. Over the years, we’ve seen a significant benefit with this program, and we wanted to continue that.”

Officer Kyle Keller is the school resource officer, and makes daily appearances in the school buildings, which involves building positive relationships with students.