NCJ Number
109267
Date Published
1987
Length
23 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes data reported by California public school districts in implementing AB 2483 (Chapter 1607), which is designed to help school personnel and school districts obtain school-crime data systematically, beginning July 1, 1985.
Abstract
In the first reporting period, July 1 - December 31, 1985, 97.4 percent of the school districts provided crime data; and in the second reporting period, January 1 - June 30, 1986, 96.7 percent reported. During these periods, districts reported 162,734 crimes on school grounds or at school-related events. Forty-six percent were property crimes totalling losses of $23,338,028. A total of 60,270 'other' crimes included violence against students, school personnel, and others on school campuses or at school-related events. A total of 27,764 crimes included substance/chemical/alcohol abuse and possession of guns, knives, explosives, or other dangerous items. Fifteen homicides were reported. This report recommends legislation that sanctions school districts which do not comply with the crime reporting mandate. Appropriations are recommended for the evaluation of the reporting practices of a sample of school districts, staffing of the School Crime Reporting Program, and the development of a safe-school model for the middle grades. 6 tables and appended supplementary data. (Author summary modified)