REPLACE POLICE WITH STUDENT SUPPORTS

Every Maryland school district utilizes School Resource Officers (SROs), in spite of overwhelming evidence that police presence in schools substantially increases the likelihood that students will face arrest for behaviors that are better addressed through non-punitive support and interventions.

The risk of arrest is far higher for Black students and students with disabilities who are disciplined and arrested for frequently minor offenses.

The 2022 Counselors Not Cops legislation would work towards removing police from schools by reinvesting state dollars from SRO’s into student mental health and behavioral services, wraparound supports for students, and restorative approaches that work.