Legislative Leaders Back Volunteer School Officer Program

North Carolina's top legislative leaders believe communities should consider a 2013 state law allowing retired police officers to provide additional armed protection at schools.

The News & Record reports House Speaker Tim Moore, Senate leader Phil Berger and Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page were among speakers at a news conference Wednesday promoting volunteer school safety resource officers.

The program was approved following the Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut and is getting attention after the Florida high school shooting. The plan lets school districts reach agreements with law enforcement for volunteer officers with arrest powers. They must meet gun proficiency and other standards.

Berger and Moore said the program was one of many ideas for safer schools. Moore has formed a school safety study committee in the House.