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Florida Atlantic University Undergraduate Law Journal

College

College of Science

Keywords

School Resource Officers (SROs), United States, Law enforcement, Youth, Public schools, Student safety, Juvenile justice system, Juvenile crime, School-based law enforcement, Use of force, Police presence on campus, Noncriminal behavior, Discipline, Legal analysis, Students' rights, Positive relationships, School-based crime prevention, Violence prevention, Student-police interaction, Educational environment, Funding for SRO programs, Camera footage of incidents, Staff protection, Constitutional considerations, Debate over SRO necessity

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Predominantly serving the youth in schools, some states across the United States have implemented full-time sworn law enforcement officers, known as School Resource Officers (SROs), who are specially and specifically trained to promote safety within schools. Succeeding an increase in concern surrounding the juvenile justice system and juvenile crime, funding for school-based law enforcement programs has increased in conjunction, allowing for over 45% of public schools in the country to have implemented SROs within their walls. However, concerns surrounding the excessive use of force surrounding SROs have instigated debates regarding the necessity of a police presence on campus, as instances where SROs have resorted to force for discipline have been captured on camera. This article will discuss benefits and drawbacks of having SROs involved in disciplining noncriminal behavior by students and argue from a legal standpoint for the establishment of SROs in schools to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and students, prevent and respond to school-based crime, and protect students and staff from threats of violence during school. The presence of SROs does not inherently infringe on students' rights. However, because of concern over excessive use of force, this article will present a legal analysis that would help promote positive relationships between SROs and the student population and minimize violent encounters.

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