Police Officers in Schools

Controversy over the inclusion of police officers in Salem Keizer Public Schools’ staff has grown more prominent in the past few years due to the amount of school shootings that have taken place. Opponents of this growth argue that placing police officers in schools is a reactionary tactic, pressing children to act out of rebellious urges. Defenders contradict that opinion, stating that the officers are placed out of precautionary tactics, to assure safety.
Since 2013, two hundred school shootings have taken place in the United States.
“Statistics indicate that 24 percent of officers reported taking a loaded firearm from a student or another person on campus, and 87 percent confiscated knives or other weapons with blades. 67 percent reported preventing a school faculty or staff member from being assaulted, either by a student or someone else on campus,” Education World’s website said.
Although officers can be a vital component for the protection of faculty members and students, abuse of power can become an issue. Two Oregon cops were prosecuted for sexually abusing two minors in 2011, resulting in their resignation.
In 2013, another cop in Eugene pleaded guilty of sexually harassing a women whilst both on and off duty.
“I think it depends on the school and the kind of atmosphere they provide. Some schools are more prone to violence,” Lemon Marin ‘18 said.
The ambience of a school and the neighborhood surrounding it could be one factor that contributes to intense disputes, or violent tendencies, within a school.