It is important to remember that, even with this training, officers should not be interacting with students in schools unless there is a real emergency that threatens the safety of students or staff.
Police officers in schools receive the same training and have the same licensing requirements as any other police officer (sometimes referred to as a "peace officer"). Check out those requirements here.
As part of their normal training requirements, police officers who work in school districts across Texas are supposed to receive 16 hours of training in:
- De-escalation techniques and techniques for limiting the use of force, including limiting the use of physical, mechanical, and chemical restraints
- Child and adolescent development and psychology
- Positive behavioral interventions and supports, conflict resolution techniques, and restorative justice techniques
- The mental and behavioral health needs of children with disabilities or special needs
- Mental health crisis intervention