Safety Law News for October 7, 2019

• In Maine, a new study by the University of Southern Maine examines the role of school resource officers in Maine and concludes that policing alone does not reduce violence or necessarily improve school safety. More specifically, the report finds there is a lack of statewide uniformity governing school-based police, their roles, how they are selected, and trained.

• In Alabama, officials in Baldwin County are adding law enforcement consequences for vaping on campus.  Police have begun confiscating e-cigarettes and issuing a citation and a date to appear in court.  The fine on a guilty student could range from $10 to $50, increasing with each subsequent citation or offense.

• In Wisconsin, the Mishicot School District is requiring 7th and 9th grade students to take a 5-hour online course to teach them the side effects of vaping and how it’s marketed.  The course, called “Vape Educate,” is also being used as an alternative to suspension for students caught vaping.

• In Pennsylvania, the Governor signed into law a bill that requires all Pennsylvania school security guards to go through the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) basic training program.