Both practitioners and scholars recognize that school resource officers (SROs) need specialized training for their positions. However, research into SRO training is limited, and thus, little is known surrounding the content and effectiveness of available training. This study aimed to explore SRO training in a Florida school district.
Qualitative data collection included participant observations of five required trainings and interviews with SROs and their supervisors (n = 43). Qualitative description and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data.
Descriptions of training content and facilitation are provided. Three themes were identified conveying problems with the training including an inefficient use of training time, lack of participant engagement and an omission of topics critical to the SRO position. The findings suggest that SRO programs need to consider the time devoted to training, the needs of their SROs and expectations for training.
This is the first study using both field research and interviews to investigate the underexplored topic of SRO training.
