We all want our schools to be safe, inviting and positive places for all students. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. We are grappling with a history of systemic racism and police brutality against Black Americans in our country--a national reckoning that is playing out in our schools, too. As the research base grows on the negative…

In recent decades, the number of school resource officers has exploded. In 2013, about 30 percent of schools had one, as compared to 1 percent in 1975, The New York Times reported in 2018. These officers have increasingly received attention in the wake of high-profile school shootings. Yet relatively little is known about them. Who are they? How…

This report indicates that while school security systems should be tailored to the school system's specific needs and problems, most must take cognizance of the following concerns: (1) evaluation of current security arrangements; (2) degree of dependence upon local law enforcement bodies; (3) management of the school system; (4) analysis of school…

The development of school security forces in the 1950s is shown in historical perspective. Short-term and long-term impacts of security operations are discussed in relation to the school administration, local law enforcement agencies, and the adolescent students. Predictions are given for school security operations in the 1980s. (JN)

This report is in response to a Virginia state legislature mandate of a study of security on the campuses of Virginia public institutions of higher education. The study scope included institutional characteristics, security department characteristics, personnel and training, information about relations on and off campus, needs and concerns of the…

The widespread use of weapons by teenagers has prompted forceful responses from school districts. Some have installed sophisticated security equipment; others increasingly are arming their security guards. (MLF)

Points out tension-breeding factors that underlie school racial unrest; suggests ways for school security officers to define their role; and lists some features of a crisis contingency plan. (Subscription $14.00 yearly, 2639 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034.) (MLF)

Describes campus crime, including property crimes and violent crimes, occurring at Florida's community colleges from a systemwide approach. Discusses implications for security decision-makers at these campuses. Between 1991 and 1995, the average number of violent crimes across the system was 72 and the average number of property crimes was 2,154.…

Steps colleges can take to minimize the likelihood of violent crime on campuses are recommended, and administrative responsibilities are identified. Important basics are to inform campus members about security risks and about procedures for summoning aid during an emergency. While attending to educational values, colleges should consider whether…

This annotated bibliography about crime and disruption in schools has been assembled from academic, professional, and government sources. The citations are organized into four major parts. "Overview: Nature and Extent of the Problem" contains studies that describe the cost of school crimes, primarily vandalism and arson, both in dollars…

This book is written primarily for elementary and secondary school administrators and teachers, but college faculty involved in providing teacher or administrator education would also benefit from the practical approach to issues of school security. Chapters 1 through 3 establish a framework for dealing with the myths and realities of school…

This guide, intended for participants in the fifth course of the National School Resource Network Core Curriculum, contains an activity/content summary for each module of the course, worksheets, and background materials. Designed to address the full range of preventive measures utilized to improve the security of the school both during and after…

In July 2002, the National Association of School Resource Officers (school-based police officers) administered a 52-item questionnaire to its members attending the Association's annual conference. The survey covered the officers' views on school security and safety. This report presents the results of that survey. A total of 658 surveys were…

A study examined what further education colleges in Britain were doing about security and what they planned for the future. A literature search found that a PEST (Political/legal, Economic, Sociocultural, and Technological) analysis was one way to examine the differential impact of external influences. A PEST analysis offered a strategy for…

Chicago public elementary school students and teachers report a growing number of crimes and violent incidents on school property. This paper, which includes a lengthy literature review (14 pages), describes a study conducted to examine the opinions of one group of teachers regarding the safety and security climate in the school where they teach.…