Understanding How American School District Administrators from the Midwest Make Decisions about Police Presence in US Schools

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Understanding How American School District Administrators from the Midwest Make Decisions about Police Presence in US Schools
Language: English
Authors: Evangelia Burzynski (ORCID 0009-0006-4633-1878), Nate Myers (ORCID 0000-0002-4784-8135)
Source: Problems of Education in the 21st Century. 2024 82(6):949-964.
Availability: Scientia Socialis Ltd. 29 K. Donelaicio Street, LT-78115 Siauliai, Republic of Lithuania. e-mail: scientia@scientiasocialis.lt; e-mail: problemsofeducation@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.scientiasocialis.lt/pec/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Descriptors: School Districts, Administrators, School Security, Police School Relationship, Security Personnel, Crime Prevention, Educational Environment, Elementary Secondary Education, Decision Making, Administrator Attitudes, School Policy, Discipline Policy, Emotional Response, Cost Effectiveness
ISSN: 1822-7864
2538-7111
Abstract: Since the 1950s, police presence in American schools has increased in the form of school resource officers (SROs). Some schools have elected to staff SROs on their school grounds, while others have chosen to avoid police presence at their school site. It is poorly understood how school administrators make decisions about staffing SROs in their schools and what the perceived impact of the SROs is on the school environment. This research attempts to understand how school administrators make decisions about whether to add, maintain, or eliminate SROs in their schools. The recent historical use of police in American schools is reviewed while utilizing the policy streams model as a theoretical lens. This qualitative, interview-based case study examined how 10 midwestern k-12 school districts decided to add, eliminate, or maintain SROs. Analyzed data offered comprehensive insights into the decision-making processes and key factors involved. Findings revealed the influence of student safety, emotional triggers, and budget considerations on administrators' choices regarding SRO presence.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1460243
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Since the 1950s, police presence in American schools has increased in the form of school resource officers (SROs). Some schools have elected to staff SROs on their school grounds, while others have chosen to avoid police presence at their school site. It is poorly understood how school administrators make decisions about staffing SROs in their schools and what the perceived impact of the SROs is on the school environment. This research attempts to understand how school administrators make decisions about whether to add, maintain, or eliminate SROs in their schools. The recent historical use of police in American schools is reviewed while utilizing the policy streams model as a theoretical lens. This qualitative, interview-based case study examined how 10 midwestern k-12 school districts decided to add, eliminate, or maintain SROs. Analyzed data offered comprehensive insights into the decision-making processes and key factors involved. Findings revealed the influence of student safety, emotional triggers, and budget considerations on administrators' choices regarding SRO presence.
ISSN:1822-7864
2538-7111