The Impact of School Resource Officers on Perceptions of Police; Examining the Application of Social Bond Theory

• In Event: Poster Session I

Abstract

In an effort to improve legitimacy opinions of police, programs throughout the nation have aimed toward strengthening social bonds and increasing the positive legal socialization of youth. One such initiative is the use of school resource-type officers (SROs) in high-schools. To assess the impact of SROs, a convenience study was conducted which surveyed individuals aged 18 years or older at two colleges located in Central Texas. A total of 471 respondents reported on past and current experiences and opinions of SROs and police. Past experiences refer to the respondent’s reflection of his or her senior year in high school. The measures of youth perceptions, social distance, and interactions with school resource officers and police are analyzed along with the corresponding adult perceptions, social distance, and interactions with police. Correlations between past (youth) and current (adult) perceptions of police are also explored. Previous research has supported improving social bonds as a means of increasing positive perceptions of police, however there is little empirical evidence to support that these opinions remain congruent throughout adulthood. This gap in the research is addressed as it is essential to forming future policing policies and practices.

Author

• Mary Maybury, Texas State University