Discuss the concept of supporting zero tolerance policies with the use of environmental security measures. What types of security countermeasures are typically used in schools? Which schools are more likely to see the use of security countermeasures? What are the negative effects of these “safe” environments?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

At a minimum, answers should discuss the frequent use of security measures such as security
guards, school resource officers, metal detectors, and surveillance by cameras. While these measures
are not new, their use has changed over time--they have shifted from a focus on property crimes and
thefts to a focus on individual victimizations and today’s broad security operations. These measures are
more likely in urban, low-income, inner-city schools. Often they create a prison-like environment. Even
when designed in security-friendly architecture, such as that found in suburban schools, these
environments and their focus on surveillance have the unintended consequences of making it harder for
students to learn. It is possible that such measures contribute to higher numbers of incidents of disorder
and can produce resentment and negative feelings toward the surveillance and oversight itself.