The Evolving Role of Law Enforcement in Schools

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Youth, Crime, and Justice

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to research the role of law enforcement officers in schools. This is a literature review that will gather primary sources on the history of how law enforcement has been used in a variety of roles: liaisons, mentors, educators, and security in school systems. Findings so far see the job of School Resource Officer as a commonly understood but not well-defined job. Going back through history the presence of law enforcement in schools has been one of socializing students to accept law enforcement, teaching students to see police as a source of help in crisis situations, for example the Officer Friendly program of the 1970’s. Additionally Officers dissuade children from criminal activity like gang membership or drug use, as with the DARE program of the 1980’s and 90’s. How have these Officers functioned within the school systems through the eras and what impact can we see in those school systems?

Authors

• Fran Lisa Buntman, George Washington University

• Joshua Michael Pelfrey, George Washington University