NCJ Number
172444
Journal
Security Management Volume: 41 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1997) Pages: 35-39
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article examines whether the solution to school security problems lies in the corporate world or whether schools require a more collaborative effort involving social services and the community.
Abstract
School districts are attempting to deal with the increasing problem of school violence from a law enforcement perspective alone, but this traditional approach to crime prevention is not appropriate for all schools. Instead, school administrators should adopt a comprehensive violence reduction program that incorporates prevention, intervention, suppression, and collaborative strategies involving not only schools but also law enforcement, social service agencies, and the community at large. This multifaceted effort should recognize the unique rules under which the educational system operates; unlike private businesses, schools cannot simply lock out troublemakers. Public school officials should balance the requirement to create safe schools with their obligation to comply with compulsory school attendance laws. They should keep out weapons and drugs without creating a prison-like atmosphere. An effective school security program should be based on a layered approach that encompasses both traditional and nontraditional security and should address root causes of student violence. Specific strategies that may be considered in the development and implementation of an effective school security program are noted. In particular, a roving mediation unit that includes students, law enforcement, and private experts is recommended to help schools respond to crisis situations.