Policy Research Shop Support for the Policy Research Shop is provided by the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education. Policy Research Shop The Use of School Resource Officers in High Schools: An Analysis of Practices and their Applicability to Hanover, New Hampshire Presented By: Kamran Ali, Megan Bogia, and Ayesha Dholakia The contents of this report were developed under grant P116B from the U.S. Department of Education. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Policy Research Shop Introduction 1930s: SROs began serving in schools 1950s: concept of SRO emerged 1990s: SRO implementation became common Today: tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary  national conversation about school safety – Can an SRO in Hanover foster positive relationships between students and law enforcement? – What roles can an SRO play?

Policy Research Shop Roles of SROs Law Enforcement Counselor Educator Safety Conduct crisis management Informal counselor Problem Solver Create curriculum based on school’s needs

Policy Research Shop Case Studies Case Study LocationOverview of SRO ProgramLessons Learned Belmont, NH Primary Purpose: violence prevention Practitioner-Level SRO Personality is essential Aware of surroundings Moultonborough, NH Primary Purpose: safety and positive relationships “Family-like” relationship Personality is essential Mutual understanding of responsibilities Clear reporting structure Pelham, NH Primary Purpose: extensive educational involvement NASRO-trained SRO Personality is essential Open-mindedness in school setting

Policy Research Shop Case Studies (cont.) Case Study LocationOverview of SRO ProgramLessons Learned Clinton, NY Primary Purpose: violence prevention On and Off-Campus role SRO organizations for training and networking Agreement between police department, school district, and federally funded initiative Suffield, CT Primary Purpose: safety and positive relationships Promote legal system as supportive tool Counselor-based

Policy Research Shop Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages Children more comfortable with officers More positive educational environment More likely to pursue law enforcement Offenders may have more personalized help Disadvantages Possible strain between school and police No guarantee of safety If not properly implemented, could weaken the officer-student relationship

Policy Research Shop Policy Options Mentor-Based Program Cost-Sharing Approach NASRO Training (Basic and Advanced)

Policy Research Shop - Minimal research on subtle effects of SROs - Limited literature on communities similar to Hanover Limitations - Additional interviews Areas for Further Research - More robust research agenda - Exploration of alternative programs