Teachers have a unique chance to influence others. Lieutenant Mike Maness isn’t formally a teacher, but he has every intention of being a good influence.
A member of the Moore County Schools Police Department, Mike works as a school resource officer (SRO) at Westmoore Elementary. Moore County is one of just two school districts in North Carolina with its own police department. It employs 13 certified law enforcement professionals.
Now in his 14th year as an SRO, Mike joined the district’s department after retiring – after 30 years – from the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
“When I retired, a good friend of mine was chief of police (with the Moore County Schools Police Department),” Mike said. “He’s the one who got me into it.”
Despite spending most of his life in law enforcement, Mike never considered doing police work as a youngster.
“If you would’ve told me that, I would’ve laughed,” he said.
Time spent at Montgomery Tech, where he earned an associate degree in criminal justice, sharpened his focus on the field. He would later obtain a bachelor’s degree, in the same concentration, from Gardner-Webb University.
As an SRO, Mike works about 40 hours each week.
“We also have special assignments,” he said.
At Westmoore, he gets to interact with four of his grandchildren. Being able to connect with all students, however, is what he likes most.
“Here in the north end of the county, I know the students (at all the schools),” Mike said. “It’s about being around the children. That’s why I still do it.”
In his role, Mike seeks to have an influence on the kids.
“I let them know I’m somebody they can trust,” he said. “It’s one of the most positive things I’ve done in law enforcement.”
Born and raised in Robbins, Mike enjoys going to the beach, hunting, and fishing when he’s not working. Being outdoors is something he came to love in his younger days.
“My Uncle made a living shrimping,” Mike said. “When I was growing up, we would spend two weeks each summer in Morehead City. We’d shrimp all night long.”
Feature photo: Moore County Schools Police Lieutenant Mike Maness/Photo via Moore County Schools.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Dave Lukow. Dave has been honored as both a lyricist and screenwriter. Among other publications he’s contributed to are the Buffalo News, JD Journal, Beckett Hockey, Seminole Player’s Life, Poker Pro, Walmart World, and All In.
