School Resource Officers Might Be Removed From Some HoCo Schools

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The day after a decision was handed down by the courts in the Derek Chauvin-George Floyd case, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball proposed several changes be made affecting school resource officers assigned to county schools.

"I think all of us saw with the verdict yesterday and many other verdicts that didn't happen, cases that didn't happen, there are a lot of concerns and it is worrisome that we have another generation who, for many of them, their only interaction with the police may be what they're seeing on the news, when they see these atrocities, so there is an opportunity to foster a better atmosphere and a better understanding between the police, our community and youth, and hopefully grow the next generation to not feel as anxious, as afraid, as current and past generations when it comes to police interaction," Ball said during a news conference Tuesday.

Ball referenced what's called the school to prison pipeline, or SPP, and said it has sparked debate as to whether the presence of school resource officers "exacerbates persistent concerns."

Rich Gibson, state’s attorney for Howard County, said the SPP is a "systematic and wholesale transfer, in particular of Black and Brown youth, from the education system to the criminal justice system."

"It's undeniable that national data and national instances have shown that school discipline systematically and disproportionately impacts students of color and students with disabilities, therefore causing the inevitable re-evaluation of the use of police officers in schools," Ball said. "While national data and discourse can inform broad policy changes, attempts to implement locally remain challenging. In many instances our school resource officers serve as a valuable unique fabric of our schools here in Howard County."

School resource officers were implemented in Howard County public schools in 1996, Ball said, with the goal of encouraging preventative mediation measures, mentorship and strengthening community relationships with law enforcement.

Gibson said that in Howard County, from March 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020, there were 255 juvenile referrals. Only 24 were instigated by school resource officers. Four stemmed from regular patrol officers called to the school and the remainder were from the community.

"The school to prison pipeline is a very real thing and has a monstrous impact on communities in general and our children. But the most recent evidence we have does not seem to support its existence in Howard County," Gibson said during the news conference.

Gibson said Ball's proposal "strikes a delicate balance on both sides of the argument of SROs."

Ball's proposal used information gleaned from four community meetings and input received from parents, students, educators and community stakeholders who were in favor of both the removal and retainer of school resource officers.

"I wholeheartedly believe our community can find the right balance to preserve safety promote equity and maintain our counties' inclusive values and academic success," Ball said.

There are 19 school resource officers in Howard County public schools: 13 at 12 high schools, 1 at Homewood School; 6 splitting time between 12 middle schools. Ball proposed the following measures regarding these school resource officers:

• Withdraw all school resource officers from middle schools
• Require school resource officers to wear body worn cameras when on school campuses
• Transition to a softer uniform to enhance approachability
• Ensure school resource officers will not be involved in any school-based disciplinary infractions
• Require combined equity training of school resource officers and all school system personnel
• Require an annual review that details policy and standard operating procedures of the school resource officers program
• Establish a school resource officer community workgroup comprised of students, educators, community stakeholders and Howard County police department representatives before eliminating the program

"It's my hope that the collaborative and longstanding relationship continues to evolve based upon the needs of our community. I understand that right here in our own backyard we have work to do. I believe that moving forward and implementing these recommendations for fall 2021-2022 school year will serve as the support our community needs as we move toward safety, equity and healing," Ball said.

Howard County Police Chief Lisa Myers said at the news conference that it is "critical" to bridge gaps that may exist between police and young people, especially students of color.

"The SROs of Howard County focus on restorative justice and changing behaviors that could lead to involvement in the justice system. Our SROs develop relationships and try to divert teens away from activities that could impede their success. That is why it is important to continue the program," Myers said. "The goal of the school resource officers in Howard County is to build positive relationships with students and staff while providing a safe learning environment. Our SROs serve as mentors, coaches, teachers and volunteers to support students not just during the school day but even after school hours."

Myers said the school resource officer program should grow and change with the community, and the high school years are "the time to recognize the challenges of our children and help them succeed."

"Our Howard County SROs are a diverse group of men and women who absolutely love what they do. They are committed to the safety and betterment of all the students they serve ... it is impossible to measure how many problems are prevented by having SROs in the schools ... we will continue to be committed to serving all students, keeping our community safe and building strong relationships in our schools and beyond," she said.