All articles tagged with #school resource officers
Parent groups at Evergreen High School raised concerns about the lack of school resource officers prior to a shooting that critically wounded two students, highlighting issues with SRO staffing and school safety protocols amid budget and staffing changes.
Charlottesville City Schools is addressing concerns about safety at Charlottesville High School after several fights and other incidents caused the school to close for several days. Faculty and staff have been expressing their concerns and discussing safety procedures. While the idea of implementing weapons detectors is being considered, the school division emphasizes the importance of building relationships as the top investment in security and safety. There are currently no plans to bring back school resource officers.
Eleven students have been arrested following a massive high school brawl at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida. The incident occurred during school hours and involved two school resource officers attempting to break up the fight. Three students are facing felony charges, while eight others may face misdemeanor charges. The school district and law enforcement officials have emphasized their zero-tolerance policy for violence and called on parents to reinforce positive behavior and respect for teachers and staff. An investigation into the cause of the altercation is ongoing.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has provided further clarifications to the recent amendments to a state law regarding school resource officers (SROs). Ellison stated that SROs and school staff members are allowed to use force on students to prevent bodily harm or death, but the force must be reasonable and proportional to the threat. He clarified that certain physical holds are now forbidden, including prone restraints and holds that restrict a student's ability to breathe. Ellison also emphasized that professionals in schools still have other tools at their disposal to address non-violent behavior. Approximately 40 school districts in Minnesota are currently without SROs, and Governor Tim Walz is open to a special legislative session to potentially revise the amendments.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued a second legal clarification regarding a law that prohibits certain restraints by school resource officers (SROs). The law bans the use of restraints that restrict breathing, hinder communication, or place pressure on the neck, head, or torso. Ellison clarified that the law still allows for "reasonable force" to prevent injury or death, including physical contact when a student poses a threat to themselves or others. However, nearly 40 law enforcement agencies have suspended their SRO programs due to concerns about liability and potential sanctions. Republican lawmakers and law enforcement groups are urging Governor Tim Walz to call a special session to clarify the law.
The League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT), the largest insurer of police departments in Minnesota, stated that it has no plans to alter coverage for school resource officers (SROs) despite a new law limiting the types of force that can be used on students. LMCIT provided updated guidance for law enforcement, advising SROs to only use force when necessary to prevent bodily harm or death. However, law enforcement officials argue that the law creates additional risks for SROs and raises questions about their authority in certain scenarios. Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman criticized LMCIT's interpretation of the law, stating that it causes confusion but does not mean that Minnesota law is unclear.
School districts and law enforcement agencies in Minnesota are calling for a special session to change the law regarding school resource officers (SROs). The updated law prohibits certain restraint techniques but allows for "reasonable force" to prevent injuries or death. Supporters of the updated law argue that SROs should focus on de-escalation methods unless there is an imminent threat. Some lawmakers oppose a special session, while others are urging Governor Tim Walz to take action and reinstate SRO programs in schools.
Several police departments in Minnesota are withdrawing their School Resource Officers (SROs) from schools due to a state law that restricts the use of force by staff members to control unruly students. Concerns have been raised that the law will prevent officers from intervening in dangerous situations, potentially compromising student and staff safety. The Blaine City Council unanimously voted to suspend SRO partnerships with three school districts, while the Plymouth Police Department will remove SROs from public schools but continue working with two districts in a different capacity. Other police departments, including Alexandria and Faribault, will no longer have SROs but will maintain a law enforcement presence in schools. The law prohibits certain restraints and holds that restrict a student's ability to breathe or communicate distress. Republican lawmakers have requested a special session to address the issue.
A student was arrested for bringing an AR-15 and ammunition to Bostrom Alternative High School in Arizona. The incident has left a mother shaken and urging schools to do more to ensure student safety. The mother claims the student had a history of mental health issues and bringing weapons to school, but the school has not confirmed this. The Phoenix Union High School District has been debating whether to bring back school resource officers, but ultimately rejected the recommendation. There have been at least 18 known incidents of guns brought to Arizona schools this school year alone.