Increased security at Texas schools following the Uvalde massacre in 2022 has led to a new controversy. A journalistic investigation denounces excessive use of force by school police against students. Cases include physical assaults, use of pepper spray and electrical discharges. The Uvalde tragedy left 19 children and 2 teachers dead. The attack was perpetrated by an 18-year-old with an automatic rifle. The incident marked a turning point in the state’s school safety policy. In response, Texas lawmakers approved a law requiring police presence in every school. The goal was to prevent new shootings. However, implementation has generated side effects that are now under scrutiny.
How Did School Safety Change After Uvalde?
The new legislation spurred a significant increase in school security spending. The budget grew by 44%, according to data analyzed by The New York Times. This allowed for the addition of roughly 3,000 agents to the 8,000 already existing. Additionally, nearly 40% of school districts created their own police departments. These units operate within educational institutions. Their presence is now part of the daily school environment. The goal was to strengthen prevention and response to threats. However, the increase in agents also expanded possibilities for direct intervention in disciplinary situations. This has raised questions about their role.
What Does the Investigation Reveal About Use of Force?
The report, conducted jointly with The San Antonio Express-News, documents at least 2,600 cases of use of force. The period analyzed spans from January 2022 to December 2025. The figure is considered conservative. There is no centralized official record of these incidents. Data were compiled from reports by school districts and police agencies. This suggests that the real number could be higher. Cases include the use of pepper spray, electrical stun guns and physical force. In many episodes, actions occurred in response to minor infractions. This raises questions about the proportionality of the responses.
What Do the Incident Videos Show?
The images analyzed in the investigation have generated concern. In one case, an officer grabs a girl by the hair. Then she hits her with her knee in the face while the minor is on the ground. Another video shows a group of students fighting. An officer intervenes and throws one of the teenagers against a metal car. The impact leaves him lying on the ground. In a third case, a student is restrained with hands behind his back. During the struggle, the officer pushes him against a wall. The minor hits his head and falls to the ground.
Are Current Regulations Being Violated?
State law establishes that school police should not be responsible for routine discipline. Their primary function is security. However, many of the documented cases appear to contradict this standard. The interventions described respond to conduct such as fights or disobedience. These situations are typically handled by educational personnel. Use of police force in these contexts raises legal questions. Experts point out that these practices can violate student rights. They also warn about the psychological impact on minors exposed to this type of violence. The school environment could become more hostile.
Who Supervises School Police in Texas?
One of the main problems identified is the lack of clarity in supervision. It is not precisely defined what entity controls these police departments. This makes it difficult to r
