Understanding the Impact of School-Based Law Enforcement
School-based law enforcement (SBLE) has become a prevalent strategy in schools worldwide, aimed at reducing crime, increasing safety perceptions, and improving learning outcomes. However, a recent systematic review by Fisher et al. (2023) sheds light on the complexities and potential unintended consequences of this approach.
The Research Findings
The review synthesized data from 32 reports, encompassing 1002 effect sizes, to evaluate the impact of SBLE on crime, safety perceptions, and learning outcomes in primary and secondary schools. The findings revealed that:
- SBLE was associated with increased crime and behavior problems when schools were used as the unit of analysis, driven primarily by higher rates of exclusionary discipline.
- There was no significant association between SBLE presence and actual crime or violence reduction in schools.
- SBLE presence was linked to greater feelings of safety, although this finding was based on limited data.
- No significant impact on learning outcomes, such as test scores or attendance, was observed.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, these findings suggest a need to reconsider the use of SBLE in schools. The data indicates that while SBLE may increase perceptions of safety, it does not necessarily translate into actual safety improvements or better learning outcomes. Moreover, the increase in exclusionary discipline associated with SBLE could have negative implications for student well-being and equity, particularly among marginalized groups.
Encouraging Further Research
Given the limitations in the existing literature, further research is essential to understand the nuanced impacts of SBLE. Future studies should focus on:
- Exploring the differential impacts of SBLE on diverse student populations, including racial and ethnic minorities.
- Investigating alternative strategies for improving school safety and student outcomes without the negative consequences associated with SBLE.
- Examining the long-term effects of SBLE on students' educational and social trajectories.
Conclusion
The findings from this systematic review challenge the conventional wisdom regarding the efficacy of SBLE. As schools and policymakers strive to create safer and more supportive learning environments, it is crucial to base decisions on robust evidence and consider the broader implications of law enforcement presence in educational settings.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: School-based law enforcement strategies to reduce crime, increase perceptions of safety, and improve learning outcomes in primary and secondary schools: A systematic review.
