Essay On SRO In Schools

Legal systems over the world have agreed that children and youth are different from adults. It would be wrong to treat them the same since it is evident that children grow into mature individuals over time. Until they reach adulthood they go through phases that help them find themselves and essentially know right from wrong. When they are about twelve they start to display a social, intellectual, moral and sexual awareness which is the beginning of adolescence (Bala and Anand, 2000). As they immerge into the adolescent period they start growing self-awareness and increasing autonomy. In this time frame, adolescents are attracted to new challenges and excitement. This causes them to challenge authority figures and do what seems right in the moment without caring about the consequences. Bala …show more content…
Various studies have shown there is no solid proof that schools that have SROs have a higher degree of crime prevention and ensured safety than schools that do not have SROs. The basis for legitimacy stands through the results from the study that was conducted from four schools in the southeast region of Missouri done by Arrick Jackson. The study examines students’ views and attitudes about the police and offending and concludes that the use of an SRO in schools does not change their view of the police in general or offending. Jackson (2002) argues that since SROs do not have an impact on majority of the study body they are not necessary and are only increasing the negative perception students already have of the police. However, it is a controversial discussion for the reason that many argue that having SROs in school settings strengthens the bond between students and police since the SROs are not only seen as armed guards, they are also recognized as mentors from the same study (Jackson