PHOENIX, AZ – Arizona State Superintendent Tom Horne announced the expansion of the Department of Education’s partnership with Off Duty Management, extending the program through 2026. This initiative is part of Horne’s ongoing commitment to enhance school safety by placing armed, uniformed School Safety Officers (SSOs) on campuses statewide.
Originally launched in October 2023, the partnership with Off Duty Management addresses the challenge of police officer shortages by providing off-duty officers to fill SSO positions in schools. Sixty districts and charters in Maricopa County, along with schools in Apache, Cochise, Pima, Pinal, and Yavapai counties, will benefit from the extended program.
“The safety of school campuses is a priority for my administration,” Horne said. “The presence of well-trained, armed law enforcement officers is the most effective way to ensure protection against potential threats. Our collaboration with Off Duty Management is a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership that is proving to be both effective and essential in keeping our students, educators, and staff safe.”
Mike Kurtenbach, Director of School Safety for the Arizona Department of Education, emphasized the role of SSOs as both protectors and role models. “These officers not only provide a critical layer of security but also serve as trusted figures in the lives of students, fostering a sense of safety and community on school campuses,” Kurtenbach said.
Off Duty Management, founded by former law enforcement officers, partners with local law enforcement agencies and school districts to fill vacant SSO positions. The company’s OfficerTRAK® software allows officers from different jurisdictions to sign up for assignments in schools across Arizona, even in communities experiencing local officer shortages.
“Through cross-jurisdictional sharing of resources, we’re ensuring that schools can access well-trained officers, regardless of local shortages,” Kurtenbach added. “More than 700 officers are currently trained and eligible for School Safety Officer assignments, demonstrating the success of this innovative approach to school safety.”
This expanded partnership marks a significant step forward in protecting Arizona’s students and schools as the program continues to grow.
