NCJ Number
150243
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 56 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1994) Pages: 78,80-82
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The police department of Columbia, S.C., has established a proactive focus on juvenile delinquency prevention and has implemented a multifaceted strategy through the city schools in Richland County School District One.
Abstract
The first step was to place law enforcement officers in schools through national programs such as the D.A.R.E. program in elementary and middle schools and through the School Safety Patrol Officer Program in the middle schools. These programs began in 1989 and 1992, respectively. The Student Crime Prevention Mobilization Program began in high schools in 1993 with a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. In this program, a police officer teaches from a textbook from the National Institute for Citizen Education and the National Crime Prevention Council. In addition to classroom lectures and activities, the program includes a student action project chosen by students to meet a community need such as a tutorial or recreational program. Students also receive many crime prevention publications for personal reference. The program has taught students the consequences of irresponsible behavior and demonstrated that they can contribute constructively to society. Despite logistical challenges, a lack of standardized program structure, and the temptation to remove officers from the schools during critical times at the police department, these programs appear promising.