A Research-Based Framework for Implementing School-Based Law Enforcement Programs

• In Event: School Resource Officers’ Training, Implementation and Influence on School Safety and Climate

Abstract

Although many districts now assign police officers to their schools, very little is known about “what works” in regards to school-based law enforcement. The extant literature lacks rigorous research methodologies and provides mixed conclusions about the impact of school-based law enforcement programs on student outcomes. Of equal concern is the absence of an evidence-based framework for integrating law enforcement officers into educational environments. The purpose of this study is to identify whether a comprehensive, research-based framework for integrating school police into the educational environment improves student and school outcomes. The study design involves a randomized controlled trial with 23 campuses across six school districts in central Texas. Over two full school years, treatment schools are guided through the comprehensive, research-based framework for implementing their school-based law enforcement program, while control schools will continue as normal. This presentation will provide an overview of the research project, describe the implementation framework, and share some of the baseline data collected from school districts in year one.

Authors

• Kathy Martinez-Prather, Texas State University

• Brenda Scheuermann, Texas State University

• Anthony Petrosino, WestEd

• Joesph M. McKenna, Texas State, Texas School Safety Center