Georgia § 20-8-5 - Law enforcement powers of school security personnel in each public school system of the state; certification; carrying of firearms or weapons.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 20-8-5 — Law enforcement powers of school security personnel in each public school system of the state; certification; carrying of firearms or weapons., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-8-5. Law enforcement powers of school security personnel in each public school system of the state; certification; carrying of firearms or weapons.
In each public school system in this state, school security personnel employed by the board of education of a county or an independent board of education of a municipality for the various public schools thereof who are certified pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section and who are authorized by the board of education of that county or the independent board of education of that municipality shall have the same law enforcement powers on school property, including the power of arrest, as law enforcement officers of that respective county or municipality. As a condition precedent to the exercise of law enforcement powers pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section, school security personnel must be certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council as having met the qualifications and having completed the basic training requirements for a peace officer under Chapter 8 of Title 35. The certification of school security personnel by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council does not require that such security personnel exercise the powers provided in subsection (a) of this Code section. The provisions of this Code section shall not prohibit a board of education of a county or an independent board of education of a municipality from employing school security personnel without law enforcement powers. School security personnel who are certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council may be authorized by a local board of education to carry a standard issue firearm or weapon generally used for law enforcement purposes for the purpose of carrying out law enforcement duties. (Code 1933, § 32-913, enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 515, § 1; Code 1981, § 20-8-5 , enacted by Ga. L. 1982, p. 515, § 2; Ga. L. 1983, p. 3, § 16; Ga. L. 1986, p. 1549, § 1; Ga. L. 1988, p. 612, § 16; Ga. L. 1999, p. 362, § 4.) Code Commission notes. - Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1988, "Training" was substituted for "Tranining" in subsection (d).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 20-8-5
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 20-8-5 cover?
Section 20-8-5 ("Law enforcement powers of school security personnel in each public school system of the state; certification; carrying of firearms or weapons.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 20-8-5?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 20-8-5" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 20-8-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.