Expanding Safety Options: Understanding the Expectations for Non–Law Enforcement Security in Texas Schools

• In Event: Perspectives on School Safety

Abstract

In a recent expansion of school safety options, Texas legislation requires at least one, armed personnel on all campuses. The diversity of Texas schools, coupled with financial constraints or lack of accessibility to law enforcement, has led many districts to rely on non-law enforcement armed personnel (i.e., guardians) to meet requirements. To understand guardian roles, researchers recruited 224 superintendents to provide insights about guardian expectations and written plans outlining their roles. Results indicated guardians are being utilized in various ways, with differences in how roles are defined in operational guidelines. The ongoing findings from this study provide comprehensive considerations for school stakeholders and policymakers to account for when defining roles for non-law enforcement positions in Texas and other states.

Authors

• Alison Jarzombek-Torralva, Texas State University

• Stephen C. Scogin, Texas State University

• Julia Rachel Hopkins, Texas State University

• Jon'Dasha Price, Texas State University

• Valerie Barnes, Texas State University

• Joshua J. Davis, Texas State University

• Scott Bowman, Texas State University

• Kathryn Angelle Klepac, Texas State University

• Maricela May, Texas State University

• Kathy Martinez-Prather, Texas State University