NCJ Number
233605
Journal
Alaska Justice Forum Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: Fall 2010 Pages: 1,5,8
Date Published
2010
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This study examined public attitudes toward the Anchorage School Resource Officer (SRO) program in Alaska based on responses to relevant questions in the most recent Anchorage Community Survey.
Abstract
The study's aim was not to evaluate the effectiveness of the Anchorage SRO program, but rather to examine the extent to which Anchorage adults are aware of the foundational principles of an SRO program, to assess public opinion regarding the need for an SRO program in Anchorage, to measure public awareness of Anchorage's current SRO initiative, and to determine public perceptions of the ability of SROs to achieve a variety of objectives. Although only half of all Anchorage adults were aware that the Anchorage School District and the Anchorage Police Department have administered a district-wide SRO program for nearly 7 years, large majorities of Anchorage adults are familiar with the concept of an SRO program (71.1 percent) and believe the school district and police department should cooperate in providing an SRO program in Anchorage schools (68 percent). In addition, Anchorage adults expressed strong confidence in the ability of an SRO program to achieve its objectives. Respondents believed that the permanent assignment of police officers to schools is an effective way to reduce crime/delinquency; improve school climate; enhance the quality of community life; strengthen the bonds between police and the community; educate students about law, the legal system, and law enforcement careers; and have a positive impact on the police department. There was little concern among the respondents that an SRO program would have unintended negative consequences, such as creating additional barriers between police and students, increasing the level of fear in schools, and undermining the authority of school officials. Suggestions are offered for future studies of the factors that might shape people's perceptions of and attitudes toward SRO programs. 3 tables