Employing Mixed Methods to Understand the Relationship Between Schools, Law Enforcement Agencies, and Non-Law Enforcement Personnel

• In Event: Impact of the Texas Guardian Legislation

Abstract

Since 2023, Texas mandates armed personnel at K-12 public/charter schools during school hours. Past research indicates that some schools fulfill this requirement by hiring non-law enforcement (LE) personnel (state audit reports indicate 41% of districts used at least one non-LE person). The purpose of this study was to better understand the communication that occurs between school districts and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) regarding the roles, responsibilities, and training protocols associated with non-LE personnel. Using mixed methods, surveys were disseminated to 225 school districts and their corresponding LEAs. Appropriate quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques were used to answer the following questions: (1) How do protocols for recruitment and training of non-LE personnel vary?; (2) To what extent are LEAs aware of school plans regarding non-LE personnel?; (3) How are LEAs involved in crafting plans for non-LE personnel?; (4) How do plans surrounding non-LE personnel vary between schools and corresponding LEAs, and does this translate to differing expectations? Preliminary findings indicate communication gaps exist between schools and LEAs. Practices involving the creation of non-LE personnel plans and the training for those personnel vary across the state.

Authors

• Stephen C. Scogin, Texas School Safety Center

• Julia Hopkins, Texas School Safety Center

• Marciela May, Texas School Safety Center

• Alison Jarzombek-Torralva, Texas School Safety Center

• Joshua J. Davis, Texas State Universtiy

• Valerie Barnes, Texas School Safety Center

• Kathy Martinez-Prather, Texas School Safety Center

• Scott Bowman, Texas State University