NCJ Number
130995
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Spring 1991) Pages: 4-7
Date Published
1991
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The National School Safety Center (NSSC), created by presidential directive in 1984, has taken a leading role in countering school crime by providing technical assistance to practitioners, by expanding public awareness through public service advertising campaigns, and by serving as a national clearinghouse for information on demonstrably effective programs.
Abstract
NSSC staff members conduct training programs and provide technical assistance for education and law enforcement practitioners as well as for legislators and other key government policymakers. In addition to producing books, resource papers, and films, NSSC sponsors practicums and special-recognition programs in response to specific school safety issues. Gangs, weapons, drug abuse, and schoolyard bullies are among the key problems targeted by NSSC. Many of the technical assistance presentations given by NSSC staff concern the threat of gang violence and the accompanying problem of weapons on campus. In an effort to track the latest developments in gang activity, NSSC recently surveyed major police departments nationwide to determine the scope of gang problems as well as to identify what prevention and intervention strategies are being used. The High-Risk Youth National Public Awareness Campaign by NSSC has focused on helping the public understand and support solutions to the problems facing high-risk youth such as drug abuse. NSSC also sponsored the first schoolyard bully practicum at Harvard University to develop a national bullying prevention plan.