SCHOOL SECURITY: A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH- SUPERINTENDENTS AND POLICE CHIEFS IN NEW JERSEY

Abstract

In an era when school shootings make front page headlines, school security is of major importance to community members, school superintendents, police chiefs, parents, and students. School district leaders and local law enforcement officials generally work together to ensure the safety of their community’s children. The nature of the relationships that form over time vary depending upon a range of factors related to the collaborators and their circumstances. The questions that remain to be answered are: What is actually happening behind closed doors to ensure the safety of students in New Jersey schools? What relationships exist between school superintendents and local police chiefs? How do these relationships lead to security practices that can further protect children in school? This study employs mixed methods to examine the relationships between school district leaders and local police officials. The researcher conducted a quantitative survey of superintendents and police chiefs in New Jersey, along with qualitative interviews of superintendents to gather in-depth information on the relationships that currently exist. The information that has been gathered can be used to increase opportunities for improving school security. While the audience for the study is primarily practitioners in the fields of education and law enforcement, it is relevant for anyone who cares about the safety of schoolchildren in their community. The findings of this study show that collaboration can lead to strong working relationships between superintendents and police chiefs and is an essential element in their mutual quest to provide enhanced school security for students in New Jersey schools.