Both Abbeville and Headland High Schools now each have full-time school resource officers.

The officers are already working as deterrents to drugs and violence in school.

If you walk down the halls of Abbeville High School you'll likely run into Lt. Vanlandigham.

He's friendly and helpful but he's sending a serious message to students.

Abbeville School Resource Officer Lt. Noel Vanlandingham said, “I think they are a little on edge wondering what they might have done wrong to have us here but I just explain it's nothing you've done wrong, we are just trying to keep you guys safe.”

He's one of two new school resource officers who've been added in Henry County.

Henry Co. Schools Superintendent Dennis Coe said, "The intent is to be there mainly as a helper to help guide the kids and be a mentor and help them make good decisions, it's not an “I want to get you” mode."

So far students are grateful to have the added security.

Abbeville High Student Corey Gochett said, “It's nice because he's here to watch everything and make sure it goes smoothly.”

Abbeville High Student Monay Laster said, "It's going to stop some of the violence. If they see a school resource officer here won't nobody be trying to get in trouble they'll probably be scared."

Abbeville High Student Skylar Blankenship said, "I think it's a pretty nice idea because people aren't as bad as they used to be before they came. There were a lot of violence and drugs."

Both officers are trained to deal with a variety of problems that may arise.

Vanlandingham said, "A lot of times people will go through divorces and one may not get the kid and there may be a custody battle and the parent may be mad and want to take I out on school personnel. Or maybe a kid who was suspended who wants to take it out on a teacher."

Headland School Resource Officer Rickey Allen said, "My function is to deter drug and gang activity and that's my primary function."

Already administrators say the officers' presence has had a positive impact in the schools.

The money to pay for the resource officers comes from a $30,000 state grant.

The cities of Abbeville and Headland are also pitching in to provide transportation and uniforms to the officers.