What Should be Considered When Selecting School Resource Officers? Insights from a Qualitative Study

• In Event: School Safety, Juvenile Justice, and Research Methodologies: Navigating Policy and Practice

Abstract

The National Association of School Resource Officers identifies school-based policing as ‘the fastest-growing area of law enforcement’, yet, little research has been devoted to the processes and criteria used for selecting officers for this unique position. Interviews with 40 school resource officers (SROs) and three supervising sergeants were collected to explore perceptions of the criteria that should be considered during the selection process. Findings highlight the importance of selecting officers with a desire to work with kids, an ability to work independently and multitask in a busy school environment, effective communication skills, experience as a parent, and adequate life and law enforcement experience. These findings indicate that effective SROs must possess a combination of professional and interpersonal qualities that may not currently be emphasized in formal selection processes. This study contributes to the growing body of research on school policing by offering insights into SRO selection criteria and providing recommendations for improving recruitment and training practices, to ensure that only the most qualified candidates are selected for this critical role in schools.

Authors

• Melanie F.P. Soderstrom, Texas State University

• Alyssa N. Shallenberger, Texas State University