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Cops in schools: prevention or prosecution?
SAUGUS, California (CNN) -- During class, at special events, behind-the-scenes -- Deputy Alain Budge is everywhere at Saugus High School in southern California. "He's another set of eyes and ears," Principal Cheryl Brown said. "We want kids to think twice about what prices they will pay -- and those prices go beyond school law -- if they are in violation of a misdemeanor or a felony." The presence of police officers, like Budge, patrolling public schools has become increasingly common in recent years, as communities react to high-profile shooting incidents. But while many parents and faculty welcome the police presence on campus, some experts say the move is an over-reaction that creates a "culture of fear" at schools. A federally funded effortA recent U.S. Department of Education report said nearly 4,000 students, aged 5 to 17, were expelled for bringing a gun to school during the 1997 to 1998 academic year. These figures and the attention given to shootings at schools like Columbine and Santana High have stimulated a nationwide dialogue on school violence. Perhaps partly in response, some 3,800 police officers have been stationed at least 1,800 schools since 1998, their positions funded by a grant from the U.S. Justice Departments "Cops in School" program. Justice Department officials say they see these officers as an extension of Community Oriented Policing Services, or COPS, a initiative started under President Bill Clinton to forge a closer, more personal relationship between police and the people they protect. "The demand has been for police officers to come into the schools as community police officers," said Ellen Scrivner of the Department of Justice. "Thats quite different, because that treats the school as a community policing beat." Deputy Budge says having his presence at Saugus High, located just over 20 miles north of Los Angeles, is more about prevention than prosecution. "Its a lot easier to mold and help confront potential problems before they happen than it is to try and deal with them after," he said. A matter of 'perception'Dr. Barry Glassner, a University of Southern California professor and author of "Culture of Fear," says a police presence contributes to the false perception that today's schools are increasingly dangerous. "There's been school violence for a long time and actually, its lower now" than it has been, Glassner said. "A student is more likely to be struck by lightning than to be killed in school." Others worry about the impact on young minds when "Big Brother" is always watching. But others said having police on campus benefits the school. "It makes (students) see that you know there is somebody here that's trying to help the school, to make sure we don't go through problems and to make sure nothing happens to our school or community," one Saugus student said. There is no proof police officers' presence in public schools affects students' safety one way or another, a fact that may bring into question the substantial financial outlay for such a program. No related studies have been completed, although a federal report on the subject is underway and expected to be finished soon.
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