School Resource Officer

The School Resource Officer (SRO) program is one of our most important endeavors at the Linn County Sheriff's Office. We have four school districts that our SRO works with throughout the school year. Those four schools, which have approximately 1,000 students total, include Bucklin R-II School District, Linn County R-1 School District, Marceline R-V School District and Meadville R-IV School District.

Our SRO is an experienced officer that receives specialized training and is recognized by the State of Missouri as a certified School Resource Officer. The current SRO for Linn County Sheriff's Office is Chief Deputy Carrie Melte.

Chief Deputy Melte's main responsibilities as the SRO are to be an available resource for students, staff, and parents, enforce the law at and away from school grounds, and investigate assaults, drug related cases, property damage, theft, acts of bullying, and truancy. She also works closely with the Linn County Juvenile Office and the Division of Family Services to help with referrals and investigate allegations of abuse or neglect involving students. Chief Deputy Melte also assists with various activities and programs held by the school such as athletic games, etc.

The School Resource Officer program allows students a non-confrontational setting to become familiar with law enforcement officers. It also offers them someone that can be a mentor or role model and provides them with a familiar face to reach out to in times of need. This program also serves as a deterrent to crime and poor behavior occurring on and around the school grounds or at school activities. It helps to grant a sense of security for staff, students, and parents.

Chief Deputy Melte states that her favorite part of the job is "getting to know the kids and spending time with them." She also states that it is important for her to ensure that the kids know they have someone safe they can rely on and that she takes pride in knowing she can help make a difference.

Please make sure to say "hi" if you see Chief Deputy Melte at any of the school events!

We at LCSO want to say a huge thank you to Chief Deputy Melte for stepping up and taking on the added responsibilities as our SRO. She does an excellent job and has definitely made a positive impact on several people!