NCJ Number
79092
Date Published
Unknown
Length
45 pages
Annotation
Findings from a 1976 Indiana study on crimes in 242 schools and school methods used to control crime are compared with similar data for the entire Nation.
Abstract
In Indiana, all school-targeted property offenses, including trespassing, break-ins, school theft, and property destruction, are significantly below national averages. School property offenses in Indiana, as elsewhere in the Nation, are much more likely to be reported to the police than are crimes of personal violence or other offenses committed against individuals. When asked, most school principals state they do not have a serious crime problem. Indiana public schools do not differ significantly from the rest of the Nation in the use of security devices and guards, the establishment and enforcement of student regulations, and the various methods of disciplinary action against student offenders. The use of school vaults or safes, unbreakable glass or plastic on outside windows, and deadbolt locks or other specially designed security locks on outside doors are the most common protection for school property. Some schools use security guards, with a few schools having police stationed in the school during the school day. When a student is involved in trouble at school, he/she is more likely to be paddled or suspended than to be transferred, expelled, arrested, or referred to a community agency. Tabular data are provided and the study methodology is appended. (Author summary modified)