History Of Policing
True or False: Schools have always had police officers inside them.
False, in 1948, the Los Angeles Police Department formed the first iteration of School police.
True or False: Students can remain silent when questioned by police
True, the FIF amendment right protects students from self-incrimination
What was the most common punishment used as a result of zero-tolerance policies?
Suspensions
What practice focuses on repairing harm and relationships through communication between those who were harmed and those who did the harm
Restorative Justice
What is the name of our active campaign around school safety and policing in NYC schools?
Police Free Schools
After what national event did many schools across the country increase policing?
Columbine
What should a student ask for if being questioned by police?
A parent, guardian, and or lawyer
True or False: Harsh Punishments prevent conflict on a long-term basis
False
What is the goal of transformative justice?
Being able to address harm without relying on punishment or policing
What does “attrition” mean in the Police-Free Schools campaign?
The gradual decrease in the number of school police over time, and the city's inability to replace officers who are leaving their jobs.
Name 3 things that students say would help schools more than police.
More guidance counselors, mental health support, and restorative justice support, social workers, afterschool programs, intern/job opportunities at school
What rights protect the freedom of speech and the right to protest for students?
The first amendment
Can you give 3 examples of minor infractions for which students can be suspended?
Dress code violation, showing up late to class, insubordination/being disruptive, and damaging school property (writing on a desk)
What type of circles are often used in restorative justice?
Healing circles and/or restorative circles
About how many school safety agents are currently in NYC public schools?
About 3,600 school safety agents.
What terms describe students being pushed from schools into the criminal legal system?
The School to Prison Pipeline and the School to Deportation Pipeline
What amendment protects students from having their property searched unreasonably and without consent?
The Fourth Amendment
What is the one criticism of zero-tolerance policies?
They disproportionately target students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and others Most vulnerable. Also, they criminalize students for minor behavior
Name three different supports that a school could fund instead of the police
Counselors, social workers, mental health services, peer mediation, and restorative justice
Name two out of the three demands that we have for our Police Free Schools Campaign
1. Hiring Freeze
2. Cut vacant positions
3. Reinvest the money saved from the previous 2 demands into guidance counselors, school therapists, social workers, and Restorative Justice