Security Technology in U.S. Public Schools (Criminal Justice)

Coon s work answers questions about how some schools have chosen to address school safety through the use of security products. Using data from a national sample of U.S. public schools, the book examines the use of cameras, metal detectors, x-ray devices, and alarms in schools. Coon also considers whether security technology use in schools is consistent with previous research about the use of such products or theories about the adoption of innovation among organizations. Finally, she examines different goals of security technology based on whether the products are directed toward keeping unauthorized people out of the school or aimed at monitoring student behavior. Coon concludes that school and neighborhood characteristics are generally better predictors of technology adoption than levels of school crime and disorder.