FOLEY, Ala. — When students in the city of Foley head back to school Monday, it will be with more protection.

As previously reported, the Foley Police Department is adding one resource officer each at Foley Elementary, Middle and High schools this year.

In a recent news conference, Police Chief David Wilson said the officers are already on staff.

“These are sworn police officers,” he said.

Thus, no extra funding is needed.

“We simply realigned some positions,” Wilson said.

However, he did point out that the SRO officers did receive specialized training for the assignment.

Wilson and Foley Mayor John Koniar expressed their excitement over the addition.

Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alan Lee expressed the importance of such a move to keep students safe.

“Even though a large number of the students are not voting age, they are still our citizens,” he said.

Lee also said that the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department is working with schools in other South Baldwin municipalities, but lack of funding prevents the provision of SRO officers in each of them.

“We may see that move in the future,” he said.