The Role of the Safety Officer in Assisting with Discipline at Dakota Secondary School
Date
2017
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Abstract
This study examined the perceptions of key stakeholders about the role of the safety officer at a secondary school in Trinidad and Tobago. Data were collected through interviews with 16 participants comprising the principal, the safety officer, one dean, five teachers, and eight students. Other data were obtained through observations and document analysis. The findings revealed that the safety officer was not performing fully in his intended roles and the stakeholders were not aware of his role in its entirety. It was found that his performance was adversely impacted by: 1) uncertainty about the renewal of his contract, 2) the expanse of the school premises, 3) the large school population, and 4) his being the sole officer responsible for the school’s safety.