Unmasking School Resource Officers Impact on Student Safety

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
The number of schools with police officers has increased to 44% since 1975.
Research indicates that School Resource Officers are often ineffective at preventing violence.
SROs can exacerbate problems like absenteeism and delinquency among students.
Inconsistent roles and training of SROs create barriers to their effectiveness.
SROs contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline by criminalizing minor misbehavior.
Alternatives such as mental health resources should be prioritized for student safety.

School Resource Officers: A Controversial Presence in American Education

Since 1975, more police officers known as School Resource Officers (SROs) have appeared in schools. Now, 44% of public schools have these officers. This large increase started after the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Columbine High School tragedy in 1999 (The New Yorker). But do they actually make schools safer, or are we giving up our children’s future for a false sense of security?

The Myth of Effectiveness: SROs and Violence Prevention

Many believe SROs are essential for preventing violence, even school shootings, yet studies show they might not be effective. In fact, their presence can harm students by ignoring the real causes of violence, such as mental health and social issues (The New Yorker). SROs might worsen these problems instead of solving them.

Dr. F. Chris Curran, who researches this topic, notes, “The presence of school police does not appear to contribute to students’ feelings of safety at school.” This statement raises questions about the overall purpose of the SRO program (The New Yorker).

The Nebulous Role of SROs: Inconsistency and Ineffectiveness

The success of SROs suffers because their roles and training lack standardization. School districts have different responsibilities for SROs, leading to inconsistent results (The New Yorker).

Research indicates that SROs are most helpful when they aim to reduce specific crimes or build relationships with students. Unfortunately, many focus on disciplining students, causing more harm (The New Yorker).

Defining School Resource Officers: Understanding Their Role

School Resource Officers (SROs) are law enforcement officers assigned to work in schools. They differ from regular police officers in that they interact daily with students, teachers, and school staff. SROs aim to maintain a safe learning environment but their role often extends beyond traditional policing. They may serve as educators and counselors, assisting with crime prevention and safety education (The Role of a School Resource Officer – Swansea, IL).

Unlike other officers, SROs receive training to understand student behavior and development. They build relationships with students and connect families to community resources (School Resource Officers | Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services). However, their involvement in discipline can blur lines, leading to unintended consequences.

Over-Policing in Schools: A Harmful Trend

Over-policing in schools happens when law enforcement is excessively involved in handling minor disciplinary issues. This can turn everyday misbehavior into criminal matters, increasing suspensions, expulsions, and arrests (Supporting Safe Schools | COPS Office). As a result, students may feel less safe and more distrustful of authority.

This approach disproportionately affects marginalized students. Minority and disadvantaged youth are more likely to face harsh disciplinary actions, which can negatively impact their future. The presence of SROs can contribute to a hostile environment rather than a supportive one (School Resource Officers | Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services).

The School-to-Prison Pipeline: Unintended Consequences

The school-to-prison pipeline refers to policies and practices that push students, especially those most at risk, from the educational system into the criminal justice system. Zero-tolerance policies and the increased presence of SROs contribute to this issue by criminalizing minor infractions (Supporting Safe Schools | COPS Office).

This pipeline has roots in the 1990s when strict disciplinary policies became widespread. The effects are long-lasting, leading to higher dropout rates and fewer opportunities. It perpetuates inequality and can trap students in a cycle of incarceration (School Resource Officers | Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services).

The Importance of Mental Health Support in Schools

Mental health support is essential for student safety and well-being. Many schools lack adequate resources and trained professionals to address students’ mental health needs. Without proper support, students may struggle academically and socially (The Role of a School Resource Officer – Swansea, IL).

Investing in counselors and mental health programs helps schools address the root causes of misbehavior and violence. This approach fosters a supportive environment where students can thrive.

Restorative Justice: A Better Way Forward

Restorative justice focuses on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships instead of punishment. In schools, it involves practices like mediation and group discussions to address conflicts. This method encourages accountability and empathy among students (Supporting Safe Schools | COPS Office).

Implementing restorative justice can reduce suspensions and expulsions. It promotes a positive school culture and can improve student outcomes.

The Need for Cultural Sensitivity Training

Cultural sensitivity training helps SROs understand and respect students’ diverse backgrounds. The training covers topics like implicit bias and working with students who have disabilities or have experienced trauma (School Resource Officers | Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services).

When SROs receive this training, they can interact more effectively with students. It reduces misunderstandings and helps build trust within the school community.

The Paradox of Safety: How SROs Undermine Student Well-being

Surprisingly, SROs do not make students feel safer. Instead, they contribute to negative outcomes like more absences, lower graduation rates, and misbehavior outside school (The New Yorker).

Dr. Benjamin Fisher, an authority on school safety, observes, “The more contact students have with an SRO, the more disconnected they begin to feel.” This disconnection can greatly affect a student’s academic and personal growth (The New Yorker).

The School-to-Prison Pipeline: SROs as Unwitting Accomplices

The most damaging effect of SROs is their role in the school-to-prison pipeline. By treating student misbehavior as criminal acts, SROs push students toward the justice system (The New Yorker).

This criminalization hits students of color and those with disabilities the hardest. It turns minor problems into arrests that could change a student’s life forever.

Rethinking School Safety: Alternative Approaches to Student Well-being

Given the harm SROs can cause, we should consider other ways to keep students safe. These options include:

1. Investing in mental health resources: Hire more counselors, social workers, and therapists to tackle violence at its roots.
2. Implementing restorative justice programs: Focus on healing and community rather than punishment.
3. Providing extensive training: If SROs remain, they need training in child development, de-escalation, and cultural sensitivity.

Conclusion: Challenging the Status Quo for True School Safety

SROs in schools have been a failed safety experiment. Real safety requires resolving the causes behind violence and bad behavior, not more policing.

We must confront systemic racism, which has led to this over-policing, and hold supporters accountable. Speaking truth to power may create truly safe and nurturing environments for students.

The evidence is clear: SROs are not the solution to school violence. It’s time to invest in strategies that support students’ well-being and success. Our children deserve nothing less.

FAQ

Q: What are School Resource Officers (SROs)?
A: SROs are police officers assigned to schools to help maintain safety and security. Their presence in schools has significantly increased since the 1990s.

Q: Do SROs actually make schools safer?
A: Research suggests that SROs may not effectively prevent violence and can even exacerbate issues that contribute to a lack of safety for students.

Q: How do SROs impact students’ well-being?
A: The presence of SROs can lead to increased absenteeism, failure to graduate, and the criminalization of minor infractions, which disproportionately affects marginalized students.

Q: What are the alternatives to having SROs in schools?
A: Alternatives include investing in mental health resources, implementing restorative justice programs, and providing extensive training for any necessary security personnel.

Q: What is the school-to-prison pipeline?
A: The school-to-prison pipeline refers to policies and practices that funnel students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, out of educational environments and into the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

Q: What changes are necessary for better school safety?
A: Acknowledging the root causes of violence and misbehavior, challenging systemic racism, and investing in supportive resources rather than punitive measures are critical for achieving true school safety.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.