LockNow Safety Insights

Understanding School Resource Officers (SROs): Roles, Impact, and Debates

The article examines the role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in schools, who serve both as law enforcement agents and mentors. Trained in various aspects relevant to educational settings, about 91% of SROs carry firearms. There is debate over their impact, with some evidence suggesting they reduce violence but also increase disciplinary actions, potentially contributing to the 'school-to-prison pipeline.' Furthermore, the effectiveness of SROs is influenced by the clarity of their roles defined in Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). The debate continues on how best to balance safety with supportive educational environments, with differing views on the necessity of a strong police presence versus a focus on community and preventive strategies.