Source: (2011) Washington, DC: Justice Policy Institute.
For many yearsprior to the widespread placement
of SROs, schools operated using their own
discretion regarding student behavior, calling the
police forincidents of serious concern, but
primarily relying on teachers, administrators and
counselors to educate and maintain safety. With
increased understanding of practices that promote
positive and safe school environments, schools
should follow the lead of jurisdictions like Clayton
County, Georgia,which has decreased referrals to
the juvenile justice systemby establishing a
disciplinary code. In addition, jurisdictions should
also reconsider the need to use law enforcement
officers to carry out the mentoring, counseling,
and social worker functions that could be handled
by counselors, teachers, and school staff. It is in the
best interest of communities to find ways to
educate all children. Pushing kidsout of school by
focusing on law enforcement responses and
punitive policies toward behavior ultimately
results in more incarceration and reduced
community well-being. (Excerpt) Restorative practices play heavily in the recommended alternatives.
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