City Commissioners approved an agreement with Great Falls Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year’s school resources officers.
The agreement provides five Great Falls Police officers and necessary equipment for the school resources officers.
Under the agreement, GFPS pays the city quarterly installments of $139,571.75 for a total of $558,282.
GFPD adds SRO, emphasis on downtown with existing officers, resources [2024]
The annual agreement formalizes the relationship between GFPS and the city to “foster an efficient and cohesive program that will build positive relationships between law enforcement and the youth in our community, with the goal of reducing crime committed by juveniles and young adults,” according to the city staff report.
In Great Falls, there are five SROs who are assigned to specific schools but can cover others if needed and they are the only armed people within the schools.
In 2024, the city and district updated their agreement to add a fifth SRO, up from the longstanding four officers covering district school buildings and events.
City considering adding SROs to public safety levy [2023]
GFPS covers 75 percent of the cost of those officers and the city covers the remaining 25 percent.
This year, GFPS’ share is $558,287 and the city funds the remaining $186,095 for a total of $744,328.
During the summer, the SROs support downtown patrol and other GFPD operations. They also serve as security during City Commission meetings the first and third Tuesday of every month.
