Buting ,Williams & Stilling ,S.C. | A Criminal Defense Law Firm

Call Today for a FREE Consultation

262-923-8761

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT

Should schools get rid of police resource officers?

On Behalf of | Jun 25, 2020 | Criminal Defense

In the wake of the police killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others, communities are reassessing the way they use police. Some, like Minneapolis, have made at least some changes to their police use of force policies.

Minneapolis has also decided to suspend its school resource officer program, and other cities like Denver and Portland are following suit. For many activists, this is a big win.

They point to the overcriminalization of school discipline, where incidents that used to be handled by teachers are now brought to the criminal justice system.

They point to the “school to prison pipeline,” in which students of color are disproportionately put into contact with law enforcement over minor issues. And once someone has had contact with the criminal justice system, they are much more likely than their peers to have criminal justice contact again.

Racially disproportionate enforcement

According to the Anti-Defamation League, African-American students make up only 16% of the student population nationwide, but they account for 31% of those arrested on campus. White kids, on the other hand, comprise 51% of the school population but only account for 39% of school arrests.

Many activists have been fighting to get police out of schools for years, but there has been resistance from police unions and some parents who fear that removing police would make the students and schools more vulnerable. The National Association of School Resource Officers called Portland’s move to end its school resource officer program a “knee-jerk reaction” that could put students at greater risk. Yet, mass school shootings are rare and violent crime at schools has decreased significantly in the last 20 years. 

There are also plenty of examples where students have been put at risk from the school resource officers themselves. For example, in 2015 a school resource officer was filmed flipping a girl to the floor and dragging her because she wouldn’t give up her cellphone.

There are approximately 25,000 police assigned as school resource officers in the United States. About 43% of all public schools have an armed law enforcement officer on campus at least once a week, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

The school resource officer model is supposed to provide a mix of law enforcement and counseling, mentorship and education. All too often, however, having a law enforcement officer on the scene invites a law enforcement response to what may be a matter of minor discipline. This is especially true for students of color.

In recent years, Portland’s students have been protesting for an end to the school resource officer program — even overwhelming a school board meeting at one point.

In order to disrupt the pattern of systemic racism and injustice that often follows police interactions with people of color, officials are beginning to listen to what students and the community have been saying. Is it time to rid our schools of police? Or can school resource officers really be trained better to avoid the disproportionate arrests of people of color while still providing security against incidents of violence like school shootings? 

Archives

FindLaw Network

“I just want to say thank you for the outstanding work you have done for him and let you know how much we appreciate the time and attention you gave to his case. We are obviously overjoyed by today’s dismissal!” (Child pornography case dismissed after motion to suppress was granted)”

“After having had time to exhale, we thank each one of you and all the others who contributed to the exemplary Supreme Court presentation. We are proud of your efforts on our behalf and, equally important, on behalf of the many present and future defendants statewide.” (Client’s comment after Supreme Court oral argument)

“Thank you. Thank you. I am so pleased to hear that we won. It doesn’t seem that it was even a close call. I appreciate your efforts.” (Oconto County defendant after Buting, Williams & Stilling got his prison sentence overturned in the court of appeals) ”

“Your time and advice was appreciated more than words can express at a time when we really needed someone to guide us.” (Client)

“The outcome was amazing, one unavailable even under identical circumstances in probably 98 percent of federal courtrooms around the country. Separate and apart from the outcome, though, I am supremely impressed by your efforts on your client’s behalf. Your comments in support of the requested sentence were perfect in tone and, having now reviewed the extensive sentencing memorandum you filed, your work in that regard was exemplary as well. Your client was certainly fortunate to have you as his attorney.” (Local federal court attorney present at a sentencing)

“I can’t thank you enough, not only for all of the tireless work that you and your staff put into my case, but for telling me what I needed to hear, at a time when I absolutely had to hear it. I consider myself blessed for everything turning out the way it did, especially since I blindly picked you out of a phone book! You helped me, my family and friends in many more ways than the money ever could.” (Child pornography client)

“I think you will find that in any circles where Kathy’s name is raised, people will always respond positively and identify her as an extremely hardworking, knowledgeable and ethical lawyer who is timely and effective with any endeavor she takes on. These circles would include colleagues, friends, prosecutors, judges, professors and others who have crossed paths with Kathy. They would also include the many lawyers like me who have referred numerous cases to Kathy, invariably with positive feedback from the clients regarding her knowledge of their case, empathy, professionalism and fair-mindedness in addressing their concerns.” (Fellow attorney)

“Thank you for giving [our son] back to us. Wonderful work!” (Family of client accused of armed robbery after charges were dismissed)

“Yes, His perfect time and perfect place, you were a part of this plan. I almost didn’t hire you, but I took a step of faith trusting Him and look what happened? Praise God. Our Lord put you in your vocation for a reason, continue to help those He brings your way. May He bless you in ALL you do!” (Client who was wrongfully convicted of sexual assault in a northwestern Wisconsin county. He was released from prison after attorneys got his conviction reversed.)

“I really cannot thank you enough for your past help. You really know your stuff. It is actually funny when I think about my other past attorney’s knowledge and then when I talk with you. It’s like night and day. You’re like a walking book of knowledge with a purpose-driven life. Thanks.” (Brown County client of attorney Buting)

“A year later and I still believe your defense is the single best example of lawyering I have ever seen.” (Television reporter commenting on attorney Buting’s defense of Steven Avery)

“You have a certain brilliance that makes me sure that when you talk, it is good information and I am in good hands. You tell it to me like it is even when the things you say are not always the things that I would like to hear. You keep it REAL!!!” (Brown County client)

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel like this was one of the biggest blessings that happened in my life. I put this along with my children being born healthy and when I survived that horrific shooting. I appreciate everything you have done for me. I couldn’t ask for better lawyers. I want to say thank you to everybody at your firm. I owe you more than the fee you so rightfully deserve. … You gave me back hope. Thank you, man! Out of my 36 years … I have never seen such kindness before. I don’t know what I did to deserve this; I’m very thankful nonetheless. Thank you for giving me hope again. Thank you for your generosity. There are still some really good people around.” (Federal criminal appeal client)

“There is no other attorney I’ve ever even heard of I’d rather have as chief counsel and leader of my defense/appeals than Jerome Buting. You’re the best. Period.” (Dane County client)

“Your advice and counsel were greatly appreciated. We appreciate you taking the time on your Sunday and evenings to help us. We are SO happy about the results! Thanks again.” (Waukesha County client)

“Thank you again … for everything. Five and one-half years of commitment, so many ups and downs and an outcome like that. You did a GREAT job.” (Waukesha County felony drug offense client)