Police are often assigned to schools to increase the safety and security of students. However, some data suggest police in schools may increase student involvement with the criminal justice system. In this study, researchers hypothesized that the role officers play within schools may influence their response to students. This study surveyed 564 police officers working in schools in Texas. It classified officers' roles as law enforcer, mentor, educator, surrogate parent, or social worker, based on their daily job tasks. Respondents most frequently filled the role of law enforcer, followed closely by mentor. Surrogate parent and educator followed next, with social worker being the least common role.
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