Should Schools Hire Cops?

Many school districts in the U.S. hire local police officers to make schools safer. Supporters say school resource officers (SROs) reduce crime through law enforcement and mentoring; critics say they transform petty crimes into school suspensions and arrests that disrupt student progress, especially for Black male students. According to Lucy Sorensen, Associate Professor of Public Affairs at the University at Albany, there is some truth to both arguments. Her studies show that SROs reduce physical fights and altercations but increase school suspensions, expulsions, and arrests. Reforms include reducing the number of SROs, redefining their roles, or better training.