Exclusive, Inclusive, and Ambiguous School Security Measures and Their Association With Drug Availability

• In Event: New Developments In Conflict Resolution

Abstract

School systems continue to face issues such as violence and drug use from their students. To create safer, secure learning institutions, schools have increasingly turned to school security measures. Both inclusive and exclusive security approaches are utilized in schools, but little is known about their effects on student behavior. This study makes use of the 2015 School Crime Supplement to explore the association between school security measures and drug availability in schools, highlighting differences between security approaches. Results indicated that no security measures are associated with a decreased likelihood of drug availability, while security cameras, locker checks, and school resource officers positively and significantly predicted a greater likelihood of drug availability. Further research on these associations is warranted.

Authors

• Ryan Kapa, The Ohio State University

• Belinda Gimbert, The Ohio State University