School Resource Officers in Memphis Threaten Strike Over Safety and Pay Demands

Memphis, Tennessee – Tensions are rising in Memphis as over 100 school resource officers (SROs) have announced their intention to strike if their demands for better working conditions are not met. The officers have made it clear that if things don’t change soon, they will not report for duty this Friday, and they won’t participate in the upcoming school football jamborees scheduled for this weekend.

The officers, who play a crucial role in maintaining safety within schools, have issued a letter to the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) outlining their needs. Their three main demands: better officer safety measures, pay raises, and an increase in the number of officers on duty.

Benny Cobb, a retired captain from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and current owner of Eagle Eye Security, voiced concerns about the situation. He stated, “Public safety, law enforcement, everybody is short of manpower. Officers have faced real dangers due to this lack of staff.” Cobb highlighted that the need is urgent, with some officers having suffered injuries due to being stretched too thin.

School Board Chairwoman Althea Greene expressed her support for the officers’ requests, noting, “I think there are valid concerns. If we need more officers, we need to hire more officers.” Greene referenced last year’s incidents at local football games, where shots were fired and disturbances occurred, expressing the need for a greater police presence at events to ensure safety.

Last year’s high school football games were marred by violence, including shots fired at Cordova High School and disturbances at Whitehaven High School, making Greene’s concerns more pressing. She mentioned her hope to have sufficient officers present at the upcoming jamborees, emphasizing that “We want to have more than enough officers at jamborees.”

Adding to the uproar, an unfortunate meeting took place Monday morning between the SROs and Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins. Reports indicate that the meeting turned heated, leading some officers to storm out after meeting the new director. Cobb remarked, “This situation is escalating, and every law enforcement entity in Shelby County is preparing a contingency plan just in case this happens.”

With a deadline of Wednesday looming, the urgency for a resolution increases. Greene stated, “I’m expecting for the superintendent to resolve these issues ASAP. This should be handled by today.” The voices of parents in the community echo this sentiment, urging MSCS to take immediate action.

Parents like Sherena Dotch, who has a son in elementary school, voiced their support for the officers. Dotch expressed, “I think they should give them what they ask for. Memphis is high in crime right now, so having that extra security definitely lessens our worries.” She further reflected on her daily anxiety as a parent, stating, “We need them in our school systems. I worry about it every day. I pray every night and every morning before I let him go.”

The situation not only impacts the officers and the schools but also puts a strain on families, who are left feeling concerned for their children’s safety. As the clock ticks down to the officers’ possible strike, the pressure is on for the district to respond effectively.

In light of these developments, MSCS has been contacted for comments regarding the situation. Families and the community await a response, anxious to see if a resolution can be reached before the deadline. The outcome of this situation will undoubtedly affect not only the officers but the safety of students and families throughout the Memphis area.

With fingers crossed, everyone is hoping for a speedy and satisfactory resolution to keep schools safe and ensure that everyone can enjoy upcoming events without worry.