Perceptions of Armed School Police: Exploring Views by Race in 2019 and 2020

Abstract

The current study uses data from two independent surveys administered through Academic Prolific's online opt-in panel to explore whether there may be racial differences in views of armed school police. We use two distinct samples and t-tests to compare views of Black and White individuals in 2019 and 2020, respectively, as well as views in 2019 and 2020 generally. We then employ regression analyses of the 2020 survey data to test whether race was associated with views of armed school police. Some similarities in views emerged. In 2019, Black and White individuals had similiar views of whether armed police keep schools safe as well as whether they were comfortable sending their child to a school with police. However, differences in views were also found. In 2019 and 2020, mean scores for beliefs of whether armed police act with students’ best interest was lower among Blacks than Whites. In 2020, the mean score for Blacks was lower that it was for Whites when asked about whether armed police keep schools safe and whether they would be comfortable sending their child to a school with police. In 2020, Black individuals were less likely to agree that school police implement their duties in ways that are fair, respectful, and keep students' interests in mind. We conclude by discussing implications for scholarship and policy about school policing and school safety generally.