Notes
Community organizations: Edmonton Social Planning Council
Future research / gaps identified: n/a
Integration timeline: not defined
Key findings:
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BIPOC students are disproportionately targeted by SROs in schools, similar to police racial profiling in other settings. Stereotypes that claim Black and Indigenous people are violent or dangerous may be just one way that SROs are led to perceive these students in negative ways.
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When students feel targeted, unsafe, scared, or harassed due to the presence and/or actions of SROs, they are less likely to attend school.
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SROs are arguably introducing more criminal justice involvement into the lives of students, as misbehaviours that would have previously been addressed by principles or teachers are now being addressed by police, and can possibly result in a criminal charge.
Key populations: K – 12 students in Edmonton schools
Key recommendations:
Conduct a formal, rigorous review of the SRO program in Edmonton that includes the voices of groups that are directly impacted by SROs.
