Navigating School Safety: Exploring Student Perceptions Following a School-Based Police-Involved Shooting

Introduction:

School-based shootings have sparked nationwide concern and debate regarding the fundamental aspects of safety within educational environments, but what happens when the incident is police-involved? These incidents, ranging from conflicts between students and law enforcement to more severe instances of violence, have underscored the need for a comprehensive examination of perceptions surrounding school safety. In the aftermath of such events, students navigate a complex landscape of emotions, concerns, and questions about the efficacy of existing safety measures and the role of law enforcement in schools. In the wake of school-based police-involved incident, understanding perceptions of safety among students is paramount. This study aims to explore the perceptions of safety in school in the aftermath of a police-involved shooting.

Methodology:

Focus groups (N=4) were conducted in the Spring of 2022. A purposive sampling strategy was employed to recruit students. Recruitment materials were distributed through school networks and community organizations. A semi-structured interview guide was designed to explore participants' perceptions of school safety, experiences with policing in schools, and recommendations for improving safety practices. Focus groups were audio recorded and then transcribed by members of the research team. In addition, during focus group discussions, an MSW student was present to take field notes and notify the research team in the event that a participant was distressed. Participants were given a mental health resource list at the end of each session. Transcripts of focus group discussions were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques to identify patterns, themes, and key insights relevant to the research questions. The iterative nature of thematic analysis allowed for a comprehensive data exploration, with attention to both commonalities and divergences in participants' perspectives.

Key Findings:

Preliminary analysis reveals a spectrum of responses to school safety following police-involved incidents, ranging from heightened anxiety and fear to calls for reform and increased community engagement. Students express concerns about the impact of such incidents on their sense of safety and well-being.

Implications and Conclusion:

By exploring the intersections of safety, policing, and education through the lens of students, this research contributes to ongoing discussions about the complexities of navigating school safety and the need for responsive and equitable approaches to addressing emerging challenges. In doing so, it lays the groundwork for informed policy and practice to promote safety, well-being, and equity for all community members, grounded in the lived experiences and perceptions of those most directly impacted.