For Immediate Release 
Monday, March 16, 2026 
 
Contact: Lindsay Blair
Public Information & Communications Officer
352-726-1931 ext. 2211 
 
School District and Sheriff’s Office Align Resources to Support School Safety 
 
(Citrus County, FL) Citrus County Schools and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office are announcing a partnership that will enhance school safety and strengthen coordination between the two organizations.  
Superintendent Scott Hebert and Sheriff David Vincent and will recommend to the Citrus County School Board that the Citrus County School Board Police Department transition its law enforcement responsibilities to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.  
Under this proposal, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office will oversee law enforcement services for all district schools, including the School Resource Officer program and campus safety initiatives.  
Florida law requires each school district to designate a School Safety Specialist responsible for the supervision and oversight of all school safety and security personnel, policies, and procedures within the district. This recommendation of collaborative change includes contracting services of the School Safety Specialist to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. School Guardians remain a security force multiplier in our schools and will be connected with both the School District and the Sheriff’s Office; however, their employment will remain with the school district.  
“Our number one priority will always be the safety of our students and staff,” said Dr. Hebert. “This partnership allows us to align our school safety efforts with the full resources of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office while continuing to ensure a strong law enforcement presence on every campus.”  
The transition will occur through a collaborative process between the School District and the Sheriff’s Office. School Resource Officers assigned to schools will continue to work closely with school administrators, students, and families.  
“School safety has always been a top priority for myself and Dr. Hebert when considering what is best for students and staff,” said Sheriff Vincent. “This partnership allows us to better navigate a constantly changing security environment with efficiency of services, coordinated training, and emergency responses across all of our public schools to ensure a safe learning environment.” 
The proposal will be presented to the Citrus County School Board for consideration at the April 14th School Board meeting. Pending approval, the transition will take place over the coming months to ensure continuity of services and a seamless transition for the Citrus County School District.