SRO Report Shows 116 Incidents So Far This School Year, THC Vapes Remain Concern

The Warren County School Board received an update on school safety during its Feb. 18 work session, as Sgt Kristin Hajduk, who oversees the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, presented the year-to-date report.

From Aug. 25 through Jan. 26, SROs documented 116 incidents across the division. At the same point last school year, the total stood at 118.

“We’ll take it — small wins,” Hajduk told board members.

The most common issues continue to be fights, THC vape possession, threat assessments, and informational reports.

Hajduk said THC vape devices remain a significant challenge, made more complicated by recent changes in state law.

In 2024, Virginia law changed so that juveniles can no longer be criminally charged for possessing standard nicotine vape devices. Officers can confiscate the device, but no criminal charge can be filed.

For THC vapes, a separate complication emerged in 2025. Before charges can be filed, the vape must undergo lab testing to confirm THC levels exceed 0.3 percent. That process can take three to four months.

Previously, officers could verify the presence of THC through product information and move forward with court proceedings or diversion programs more quickly.

“By the time we get it back, they’re not even thinking about the time that they got the vapes,” Hajduk said. “And some of them have three or four more charges after that.”

Because of the delay, SROs sometimes wait to file charges until a second or third offense occurs, allowing them to build a stronger case once lab results are returned. First-time offenses may result in vape intervention classes rather than immediate court involvement.

“We’re kind of holding them in a holding pattern,” Hajduk explained, adding that current legislation is making enforcement more difficult. “They think they’re helping… but in reality, it’s giving them the opportunity without any consequences.”

In January alone, SROs handled 17 incidents, compared to five in January 2025. Hajduk noted that last January included significantly more snow days, which likely contributed to the lower number at that time.

Beyond enforcement, the SRO program is expanding prevention and outreach efforts.

During spring break, the Sheriff’s Office will host a Junior Deputy Camp from March 31 through April 1. The two-day camp costs $20 per child, includes lunch, and offers hands-on experiences in defensive tactics and law enforcement basics.

Students will also be invited to a PALS (Positive Alternatives for Life Skills) Open House on March 5 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Student Union Center. Meals will be provided.

Other upcoming activities include open gym nights, a St. Patrick’s Day event, Easter egg hunts, and a “paint and zip” activity for children. Recently, students participating in PALS made dog toys for the local humane society using recycled materials.

“We’re trying to keep these kids as active as we can and hopefully get them away from some of the other things,” Hajduk said.

Looking ahead, Hajduk said the division is exploring expanded D.A.R.E. programming. The national program recently underwent a major update, with new curriculum options for elementary, middle, and high school students.

The challenge, she noted, will be finding time within already tight academic schedules.

“Finding that 45-minute block… when teachers are already fighting for every minute they can education-wise — I think that will be our biggest hurdle,” Hajduk said.

She expects to receive the updated D.A.R.E. materials for review within the next few weeks.

School board members did not take action during the work session, but the discussion highlighted the ongoing balance between enforcement, prevention, and education as officials address student safety concerns.

Click here to watch the Warren County School Board Work Session of February 18, 2026.