Sgt. Matthew Evers - SRO/DARE Coordinator
Hello, my name is Ofc. Matt Evers and I have been part of the Edwardsville Police Department since September of 2006. Prior to my career as a law enforcement officer, I attended Eastern Illinois University and then Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.
During my career as a law enforcement officer, I have served different functions within the department such as: Field Training Officer, Crisis Intervention Officer, Crime Scene Technician, and Firearms Trainer. I am also a 4 E’s Instructor and have experience in developing and implementing active shooter training and drills for my department.
For approximately 8 years of my police career, I was a Detective for the Edwardsville Police Department. My investigative experience includes a three-year assignment to the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI), which is an undercover drug task force for the Metro East Area. I just recently finished a five-year assignment in the Edwardsville Police Department’s Investigations Division conducting general investigations for the city of Edwardsville. I am also a member of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis.
In August of 2022, I assumed the role of the School Resource Officer/DARE Coordinator. As the SRO/DARE Coordinator, I supervise the SRO/DARE Officers and act as a liaison between the Edwardsville School District and the Edwardsville Police Department.
I am a lifelong resident of the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon area, and graduated from EHS in 1998. I am proud of my community and school district, which is why I chose to live, work, and raise a family in this area. I have a continued vested interest in the safety and security of our schools since my two children are now students in the district. I look forward to working with all of you in the future to continue to make our school district a safe, secure, and fun learning environment.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact me any time at: Edwardsville High School 618-656-7100, Ext. 20632 or Edwardsville Police Department 618-656-2131 Ext. 156 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Officer Rick Thompson-Edwardsville High School SRO
My name is Officer Rick Thompson and I have been employed as a police officer for the City of Edwardsville since January 2007. During my law enforcement career I have served as a Patrol Officer, Ward and Beat Officer as part of the departments Community Oriented Policing Program, and now my newest assignment as the School Resource /D.A.R.E. Officer for Liberty Middle School.
I am a 2002 graduate of Edwardsville High School and continued my education at Lewis and Clark and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I received my Law Enforcement Training at the SWIC in Belleville, IL. I have also received specialized training as a Juvenile Officer and Crisis Intervention Officer.
Please feel free to call me or stop by my office if you have any questions, need any information or have any concerns. I can be reached at Edwardsville High School, 618-656-7100 ext. 20157, or by email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Officer Keith Scruggs -Lincoln Middle School SRO
Hello, my name is Keith Scruggs and I have been in Law Enforcement for 11 years. I have been a part of the Edwardsville Police Department since June of 2018. I also served with the Truman State University Department of Public Safety and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. During my career as a law enforcement officer, I have served different roles such as Acting Shift Commander, Mobile Field Force, Field Training Officer, Less Lethal Instructor, 4 E’s instructor, and Crisis Intervention Officer.
Prior to my career in Law Enforcement, I attended Truman State University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. In August of 2023, I assumed the role of the School Resource Officer/DARE Instructor for Lincoln Middle School. For this role, I became certified as a Juvenile Police Officer, a School Resource Officer, and a D.A.R.E. Instructor.
I look forward to working with students and teachers in the DARE program and as a School Resource Officer. I want to ensure continuing education in our community, and to provide a safe, secure, and fun learning environment.
Officer Tyler Heffinton - Liberty Middle School SRO
Hello, my name is Officer Tyler Heffington and I began my law enforcement career in 2014 with the East Alton Police Department until I transferred to the Edwardsville Police Department in 2018. During my law enforcement career I have served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Investigator and Taser Instructor.
I attended Lewis and Clark Community College and Western Illinois University where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I received my Law Enforcement Training through Southwestern Illinois College, completed an Illinois Juvenile Officer Training, School Resource Officer (SRO) training and obtained 4E’s Instructor Training through SILEC.
As a SRO I am looking forward to continuing a positive working relationship with the Schools, Students, Parents and Community.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, need any information, or have any concerns. I can be reached at Liberty Middle School, 618-655-6800 ext 22108, or by email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .