District seeks clearer MOU with LRPD after parent concerns over pepper spray and student arrests

Little Rock School District safety staff updated the board on Sept. 11 about discussions with Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) to clarify the memorandum of understanding (MOU) governing school resource officers (SROs) after parental concerns about the use of OC/pepper spray and an increase in student arrests.

The district’s safety presenter said parents had expressed concern about pepper spray use in schools and emphasized the district’s goal to ensure staff and SROs are trained in de‑escalation and “safety care” techniques. The presenter said the administration is working on MOU language intended to clarify SRO roles and limits on pepper‑spray use.

Board members asked for data. Safety staff acknowledged a recent “uptick” in student arrests and said they are preparing a report with incident counts and role breakdowns; staff said the data will be available to the board at the next meeting and that the district is building a dashboard for ongoing access to safety metrics. The presenter said SROs — not school security staff — currently initiate the use of OC/pepper spray and request additional patrol officers if they determine it is necessary.

Trustees also asked why LRPD representatives were not present; district staff said LRPD had been invited and that a public‑information officer had attended earlier but left before the board’s safety item. Trustees asked staff to re‑invite LRPD for a future meeting and to include the proposed MOU language changes for review.

Safety staff said they will provide the requested incident and arrest reports at the next board meeting, will continue drafting MOU language that limits OC use to officer protection scenarios, and will provide SRO/administrator training updates to the board.