SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS’ PERSPECTIVES REGARDING ARMING TEACHERS AS A SCHOOL SAFETY POLICY IN RELATION TO MASS SCHOOL SHOOTINGS

Author

• Kara Maureen Snider

Year of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Name

School Psychology

Department or School/College

Phyllis J. Washington College of Education

Committee Chair

Jacqueline Brown

Commitee Members

Anisa Goforth, Julie Olomi, Rachel Severson, Emily Sallee

Keywords

armed teacher policies, mass school shootings, School Resource Officers, school safety

Abstract

School Resource Officers (SROs) are law enforcement officers who, amongst other responsibilities, are trained to provide crisis response to events such as a mass school shooting (MSS). Based on their knowledge of both schools and safety, SROs are uniquely qualified to discuss safety policies relative to MSS, such as armed teacher policies (ATPs). This study utilized a qualitative approach to explore three aims: (1) SROs; position on ATPs; (2) The benefits and drawbacks of ATPs from SRO perspectives; and (3) SRO recommendations on the prevention of MSS. SROs in the current study were nearly evenly split in support and opposition to ATPs. SROs who opposed ATPs were skilled at highlighting nuanced concerns about ATPs. SROs who supported ATPs tended to identify solutions to these concerns. All SROs discussed the necessity of training for armed teachers and provided preventative strategies relative to MSS (e.g., practicing lockdown drills, locking doors, and building relationships with students).

Recommended Citation

Snider, Kara Maureen, "SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS’ PERSPECTIVES REGARDING ARMING TEACHERS AS A SCHOOL SAFETY POLICY IN RELATION TO MASS SCHOOL SHOOTINGS" (2026). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12764.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12764