Ballistic shields give Nash County SROs, students new layer of protection

The countdown is on for students across the Triangle to head back to the classroom.

2025-08-11

Districts are working to welcome students back safely, and in Nash County, that means equipping school resource officers (SROs) with a new tool: ballistic shields.

"I don't see myself going into a hallway if a shooter is in the building without one of these," Nash County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Morris said.

Morris was one of the SROs who received training and will use the shields.

Nash County School Resource Officer Supervisor Sgt. Kevin D. Bissette said it'll be the first time the shields are used in schools in the county, although they have been used in other capacities.

"Typically, these are reserved for SWAT team members, but we saw the importance of SROs having these in schools," Bissette said.

Sgt. Bissette said the shields will allow for a more efficient response and, in turn, keep students safer.

Nash County deputies said they aren't aware of any other district that uses them in schools. A check with other districts revealed that none reported using them in a school setting.

Other school systems in the area are also increasing security measures heading into the school year. Hoke County Schools is incorporating a weapon detection systems at select schools. Granville County will now have a dedicated SRO at each campus. Edgecombe County has updated its cameras to use artificial intelligence.

In Nash County, the shields are just one piece of the safety strategy. SROs are also completing several new trainings, including one held on Monday in partnership with the SBI, which is developing BETA (Behavioral Threat Assessment) knowledge and units within the Sheriff's Office.

Sgt.Bissette said the increasing frequency of school shootings has been on the rise, and every tool they put in place will help them respond. 

"It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when an event is going to occur. By preventing as much as we can and preparing our deputies. It's a matter of the right people in the right positions with the right training," Bissette said.