NCJ Number
182315
Date Published
August 1999
Length
62 pages
Annotation
This report presents methods that cities and States around the country are using to ensure school safety, based on a study of school safety programs in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia, as well as an analysis of innovative programs in Austin, Tex., Boston, and Charlotte, N.C.
Abstract
The study focused on how States, cities, and schools structure their institutions to address school safety issues. It also examined the main strategies the five largest cities use with respect to school security staff, security systems, reporting of school safety incidents, and school safety programs that engage parents and communities in making schools safe. Results revealed that many government agencies are involved in school safety and that these agencies can be more effective if they coordinate their responses. Every city studied used school security officers, although their precise responsibilities varied. The most common security system was metal detectors. Responsibility for preparing incident reports generally falls on school principals. School safety programs range from violence prevention programs to community service programs for young offenders. Few programs have received thorough evaluations. Profiles of each city's school safety programs and list of contacts