Posted in Education

ACLU: Escambia-the most policed school district in Florida

   June 27, 2019

The ACLU of Florida reviewed discipline data provided by the Florida Departments of Education and Juvenile Justice.

The ACLU found that among the largest school districts in Florida Escambia School District ranked third for highest student arrest rate, 6 arrests per 1,000 students versus the state average of 2.6 arrests; first for highest student arrest rate for disorderly conduct, 1.6 arrests per 1,000 students versus the state average of 0.4 arrests; and third for highest student arrest rate for first-time, non serious misdemeanors, 1.6 arrests per 1,000 students versus the state average of 0.5 arrests.

Most policed schools: Highest Student Arrest Rate 
State average: 2.6 arrests per 1,000 students

  • Largest Districts (More than 39,000 Students): 
    • Volusia – 7 arrests per 1,000 students (153 arrests)
    • Marion – 6.6 arrests per 1,000 students (108 arrests) 
    • Escambia – 6 arrests per 1,000 students (125 arrests) 

Most policed schools: Highest Student Arrest Rate for Disorderly Conduct 
State average: 0.4 arrests per 1,000 students 

  • Largest Districts (More than 39,000 Students):
    • Escambia – 1.6 arrests per 1,000 students (63 arrests) 
    • Marion – 1.5 arrests per 1,000 students (63 arrests) 
    • Pinellas – 1.1 arrests per 1,000 students (107 arrests)  

Most policed schools: Highest Student Arrest Rate for First-Time, Nonserious Misdemeanors 
State average: 0.5 arrests per 1,000 students

  • Largest Districts (More than 39,000 Students): 
    • Marion – 2 arrests per 1,000 students (84 arrests) 
    • Volusia – 1.7 arrests per 1,000 students (110 arrests) 
    • Escambia – 1.6 arrests per 1,000 students (63 arrests)

The ACLU report included recommendations for policymakers to reduce racial disparities through training, to support youth through investing in school-based mental health providers and appropriate training for all staff, and to limit police overreach in schools through training and negotiating clear roles and policies for school police.

“When the Florida Legislature passed SB 7030, it expanded the state’s zero-tolerance policies- an approach to school safety that has proven to be ineffective, costly, and disproportionately impact marginalized youth,” said Micah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Florida.

“This will undoubtedly result in result in more students being pushed out of schools and into the unforgiving criminal justice system. School districts should analyze the data provided and work towards providing students with healthy and safe learning environments that prioritize support and policymaking that equips students for a successful future.” 

A copy of the report and letters to school districts is available here: http://aclufl.org/safetolearn 

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