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The Use of Metal Detectors in Schools
No full textImplementing metal detectors in schools has sparked a contentious debate over their effectiveness and impact on the educational environment. Proponents argue that metal detectors enhance safety and deter violence, while opponents contend that they foster a culture of distrust and fail to address the root causes of violence. This paper examines both sides of the argument, exploring the benefits and drawbacks of metal detectors in schools and proposing a balanced approach to student safety. The increasing incidence of violence and safety concerns within educational institutions necessitates the need for comprehensive security measures to protect students and staff. This paper advocates for the implementation of metal detectors in schools as a proactive strategy to enhance campus safety and deter potential threats. By examining case studies of schools that have successfully integrated metal detectors into their security protocols, this study highlights the effectiveness of such systems in reducing incidents of weapons on campus and promoting a safer educational environment. Furthermore, it explores the logistical considerations, including installation, maintenance, and staff training, as well as the potential impact on school climate and student privacy. Through empirical data and stakeholder interviews, it is demonstrated that while metal detectors are not a panacea, they are a crucial component of a multi-faceted approach to school safety, fostering a sense of security among students, staff, and parents alike. This initiative not only aims to mitigate risks but also to cultivate an atmosphere conducive to learning, ensuring that educational institutions can fulfill their primary mission of providing a safe and supportive environment for all students.LEMI
Leadership Development: The Changing of The Guard
No full textWhen looking at leadership development in the law enforcement profession, one would come across shocking and disturbing facts. Looking at the landscape of law enforcement, one would become aware that leadership development across law enforcement is not consistent in most agencies. They would also learn that leadership development is not considered a priority in some law enforcement agencies, some departments do not have a plan to develop future law enforcement leaders, and some even believe that it is simply not needed. Failure to develop leaders can cause a department to become stagnant. It could lead to disorganization, no clear vision of the department, and no clear plan for succession. A major concern when organizations fail to develop leaders is liability issues. When law enforcement agencies fail to develop leaders, ethical issues could arise, causing liability for the organization and the community. Whether it is through formal training, departmental training, or mentorship programs, law enforcement agencies should consider the value of leadership development. Leadership development can help improve the bottom line financially for an organization. It can also help attract, develop, and retain talent within an organization. Leadership development helps drive strategy and direction toward the vision of an organization and increases the potential for success in navigating change within an organization. Law enforcement agencies must develop their future leaders for the betterment of the organization and the communities they serve.LEMI
Discretionary Model of Policing in Universities
No full textUniversity police departments, along with administrators, constantly ask what style of policing should be applied within their campus. The discretionary style of policing should be adopted by these university police departments. Research proves that zero tolerance is ineffective, and data prove that crime rises under this approach. The discretionary style of policing works better and is more effective. This style of policing also reduces recidivism and goes hand in hand with the school’s philosophy of being an educational environment. The discretionary model of policing can be handled on a case-by-case basis, which can allow officers to use other alternative resolutions for minor offenses compared to a more punitive action. Some administrators may argue that discretion can lead to corruption or an increase in prejudice and even increase the chance of officers making biased decisions, but research has concluded otherwise.LEMI
Stacked for Success: An Academic Library’s Journey to Support Pre-Service Educators through CMC Creation
No full textThis document is the original manuscript, or pre-print version, of the article published in Collection Management quarterly journal.Curriculum Materials Centers (CMCs) provide a vital resource in preparing educators but are challenging to sustain as academic libraries face space and budget constraints. This article explores a mid-sized high research university’s internal implementation study of value gained through establishing a CMC. Authors examine trends in CMCs and learner needs to develop a comprehensive installation plan, identify strategies to negotiate and create buy-in within and beyond the library, and perform collection analysis to identify items for relocation. The CMC’s positive impact is demonstrated in instruction and circulation data confirming they remain essential in preparation of educators for EC-12 schools
Benefits for Small to Mid-Size Law Enforcement Agencies to Regionalize Their Communications Centers
Full text linkEmergency police communications centers nationwide face many challenges as they attempt to navigate the ever-changing world of effective and efficient emergency telecommunications. Increased costs dealing with technology and Next Generation 911, increasing efficiency and resource allocation, along with recruitment and staff retention is making it more advantageous for small to mid-size agencies to explore the regionalization of communications centers. Small to mid-size law enforcement agencies should consider regionalizing their communications centers. An overall cost benefit to the city and agency, improved resources, and an overall improvement in efficiency will occur as a result of regionalizing police communications centers. City elected officials, along with city administration, will have concerns about loss of control and a decrease in community engagement. This can be overcome by conducting feasibility studies and partnering with a regionalized center that has the same values for effective and efficient police service. In conclusion, there are significant benefits to regionalizing police communications centers for the community and the agencies they serve.LEMI
Specialized Units - Mandatory Time Limits
Full text linkMandatory time limits for officers assigned to specialized units in law enforcement have become increasingly relevant, as they serve as an initiative-taking strategy to address various challenges faced by law enforcement administrators. When officers remain in the same position for extended periods, their mental health can be jeopardized, they can experience burnout, and both officers and units may become involved in unethical behavior. By implementing mandatory time limits for officers in specialized units, overall officer health improves, liability for the department decreases, and public trust is maintained or restored. The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether law enforcement agencies should effectively implement mandatory time limits for specialized units. The researcher examined the mental health concerns associated with long-term unit assignments and the unethical behavior that can arise from comfort and autonomy when working in specialized units for extended periods, highlighting the effects on both employers and employees. The inquiry involved studying several articles about criminal investigators who remained in their positions for too long, which contributed to mental health concerns, corruption, or both. The absence of a mandatory term limit policy was noted as a significant factor in this issue. The research concluded that implementing a mandatory term limit policy is beneficial for individual officers, the organization, and law enforcement. This approach promotes healthier officers and helps prevent burnout and, in the worst-case scenario, suicide. Additionally, frequently rotating officers out of units can reduce opportunities for corruption, benefiting both the departments and the citizens they serve.LEMI
Mindfulness Training for Law Enforcement
No full textLaw enforcement officers are at a greater risk for mental and physical health issues than the general population. These health issues dramatically affect officers' quality of life and longevity. Law enforcement agencies should provide mindfulness training to officers. Numerous scholarly studies have shown mindfulness to positively affect health issues such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, chronic pain, and hypertension. The military and some large police departments have successfully implemented mindfulness programs and achieved positive results from their personnel. Mindfulness training can easily be integrated with existing mandatory wellness training.LEMI
All Law Enforcement Agencies Should Require a Semi-Annual Physical Fitness Test
No full textPhysical fitness is a critical element in law enforcement, directly influencing officers’ ability to perform physically demanding tasks. Officers must maintain strength, agility, endurance, and sound decision-making skills to effectively succeed with the challenges of their work. However, physical fitness requirements across law enforcement agencies in the United States are inconsistent, with some agencies mandating fitness tests, others conducting them semi-annually, and many having no physical fitness standards at all. Despite the clear advantages of maintaining a high level of physical fitness, fitness testing often ranks low on the priority lists within law enforcement organizations. This paper argues for the implementation of semi-annual physical fitness tests across all law enforcement agencies to improve officer safety, job performance, mental clarity, and community trust. Regular fitness testing can reduce injury rates and possibly prevent chronic health issues. It also promotes public confidence by ensuring that officers meet transparent and measurable standards of fitness. While challenges such as resistance from officers, regarding age and gender fairness, and concerns over cost and logistics exist, these can be addressed through tiered testing systems and the use of existing resources. This paper recommends adopting the Texas Department of Public Safety’s fitness test, which is customizable for different physical capabilities. By promoting semi-annual fitness testing, law enforcement agencies can create a culture of health and wellness, benefiting both officers and the public while reinforcing transparency and accountability in law enforcement.LEMI
Secondary Gifted Students’ Experience in Using Generative AI Intelligent Tutors: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
No full textThis hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the experiences of secondary gifted and talented (GT) students in a rural high school who utilized generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tutors in their classroom environment. The study sought to understand how these AI tools impact the learning experiences and development of GT students. The research involved seven participants, aged 15 to 17, who were identified as GT and actively using the GenAI program, Chat for Schools, in their classes.
Data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. The analysis followed Gadamer’s hermeneutic philosophy, involving immersion, understanding, abstraction, synthesis, illumination, and
integration. The study identified four main themes: Instructional Ecology and Pragmatic Use, Affective and Relational Mediation, Agency Building and Self-Regulation, and Meaning-Making and Identity Negotiation. These themes were analyzed within Bronfenbrenner’s ecological framework, highlighting interactions within microsystems, mesosystems, exosystems, and macrosystems.
Findings revealed that GenAI tutors enhanced efficiency and productivity,
provided immediate, in-depth answers, and simplified complex tasks. However, inaccuracies in AI responses necessitate critical evaluation and additional support. Emotional well-being is influenced by academic pressures and social dynamics, with AI tools alleviating stress and anxiety. Teacher engagement and institutional support are crucial for fostering a positive learning environment. GenAI use bolstered students’ self-efficacy by assisting with time management and reducing procrastination, yet participants also noted the importance of prompt-engineering skills for effective AI interaction. Perceptions of AI varied, with concerns about over-reliance and its impact on work ethic and academic identity.The study concluded that while GenAI tutors offer significant benefits in
personalized learning and efficiency, a balanced approach integrating human interaction is essential. Educators should focus on AI literacy, differentiation, and student support to maximize the potential of AI in education. Future research should explore the long-term impact of AI on academic self-concept, the role of teacher engagement, and the ethical implications of AI use in education
Sensitivity Improvement Strategies for Raman Detection of Methamphetamine from Complex Samples
No full textThe illicit manufacture of methamphetamines generates a substantial
environmental burden, producing 6 pounds of solid waste for every pound of product.
This waste commonly finds its way into gutters and ditches, allowing toxic byproducts to
seep into the ground. Similarly, methamphetamine use or production leaves residues in
the air and on nearby surfaces. Both scenarios present significant detection challenges, as
the dirt and dust create complex matrices that interfere with standard presumptive testing
methods. Our research explores strategies to mitigate these matrix challenges through the
temperature-controlled transfer of analytes into the headspace. Raman spectroscopy
offers the potential to characterize multiple analytes associated with a methamphetamine
waste site, with the limitations of the small analysis area of the laser beam overcome
through sensitivity enhancement methods: sample preconcentration and Surface
Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The sample preconcentration was done by the
preferential condensation of analytes on the end of a wire to control the surface area
available for deposition. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the surface
properties of commercial SERS sensors while optical microscopy characterized the
spatial distribution patterns of analytes on both wires and SERS substrates. The
preliminary testing of the individual components of the proposed device was successful.
Drop deposition was successfully controlled by decreasing the available surface area and
lowering the temperature of the sampling device, confirmed through visual inspection
and Raman analysis, and vaporized methamphetamine was captured through headspace
v
sampling. The Raman analysis of caliber solutions showed replicability and low limits of
detection with the sampling wire and commercial SERS substrates. These substrates were
evaluated for their possible use in future experiments