NCJ Number
165431
Date Published
1992
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This executive summary of the 1991/92 evaluation of California's School/Law Enforcement Partnership Program focuses on its various components: partnership conferences, the partnership cadre, and the implementation of grants for school safety plans.
Abstract
The Partnership has sponsored two annual School Safety Conferences each year for the past 7 years. These 1-day conferences are marketed to school and law enforcement professionals throughout the State and are designed to provide the latest information on various school safety-related topics. Although nine new programs were established as a result of conference attendance, this is a small percentage of conference participants. Conference organizers should reassess the conference schedule to allow for the presentation of programs and techniques that will result in new program implementation. The School/Law Enforcement Partnership Cadre consists of professionals primarily from the fields of education and law enforcement who receive training from the Partnership and in return provide direct services to schools and law enforcement agencies throughout California. Their primary purpose is to promote interagency partnerships to address school safety issues and to provide technical assistance in the development and improvement of school safety programs. Including follow-up and contacts with agencies served in the past, Cadre members made more than 1,000 service contacts. These numbers are consistent with previous years and indicate that there is a continued strong demand for Cadre services. A follow-up survey with recipients of Cadre services showed consistent satisfaction with these services. In July 1989, Assembly Bill 1087, Chapter 92, was passed, authorizing the Partnership to administer $500,000 in grants to 100 California schools for the purpose of implementing their school safety plans. During the 1991/92 year, 100 schools from both rural and urban communities received these grants. Although there is no clear evidence that these programs have reduced delinquent acts in schools, the programs have given staff and students a greater feeling of safety on school grounds. Recommendations for improving grant implementation are offered.