230.2318  School resource officer program.--

(1)  SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM.--School boards may establish school resource officer programs, through a cooperative agreement with law enforcement agencies or in accordance with s. 230.23175.

(2)  SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER CERTIFICATION; DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.--

(a)  School resource officers shall be certified law enforcement officers, as defined in s. 943.10(1), who are employed by a law enforcement agency as defined in s. 943.10(4). The powers and duties of a law enforcement officer shall continue throughout the employee's tenure as a school resource officer.

(b)  School resource officers shall abide by school board policies and shall consult with and coordinate activities through the school principal, but shall be responsible to the law enforcement agency in all matters relating to employment, subject to agreements between a school board and a law enforcement agency. Activities conducted by the school resource officer which are part of the regular instructional program of the school shall be under the direction of the principal.

(3)  APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL FUNDS.--The Department of Education is authorized to apply for funds from, and to submit all necessary forms to, any federal agency which may provide assistance to programs similar to the school resource officer program.