For many years, thousands of school districts have contracted with local law enforcement for school resource officers- armed officers who are stationed in high schools, middle schools, and primary schools. Some larger school districts, like Houston’s, have even established their own police forces. In the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut shootings, many districts are considering placing even more police officers or armed guards in schools. While some experts praise the idea, others state that the effectiveness of using police officers to deter crimes in schools is unclear.
Youth advocates and judges state that the growth of school-based police units may even have great negative consequences including a surge in criminal charges for minor offenses and misbehavior, with black and Hispanic students and those with disabilities disproportionately affected. Outcry from legal advocates over harsh punishments given to students is starting to make a difference. Jimmy L. Dotson, the chief of Houston’s 186-member school district police force, is one of several police leaders working to redefine the role of campus officers. Officers in Houston are now working to build ties with students, and have greatly reduced criminal citations and arrests.