Vandalism Prevention Programs Used in Ontario Schools

• NCJ Number: 80864
• Author(s): J White; A Fallis
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 87 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Ontario Ministry of Education
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
• Language: English
• Country: Canada

Annotation

Based on questionnaires completed by over 3,000 school principals in Ontario, Candada, in 1978, this report discusses the use and effectiveness of vandalism prevention measures as well the costs of vandalism.

Abstract

Self-administered questionnaires containing 55 items about vandalism prevention were mailed to school principals, and a total of 3,025 or 65.5 percent were returned. Use of vandalism prevention measures and the perceived effectiveness of such tactics varied substantially. Over 90 percent of the principals reported using the following methods: providing adequate teacher supervision, keeping schools clean and attractive, maintaining an up-to-date inventory of school equipment, repairing visible damage and removing graffiti quickly, and locking all windows and doors securely each evening. Principals rated alarm systems and adequate teacher supervision as the most effective approaches, and over one-third reported that they already had an alarm system. A total of 82 percent said they had a reporting system to provide school boards with information on the incidence and costs of vandalism. Only 2,703 principals made estimates on vandalism costs. This limited data showed that the average cost per school in 1978 was $1,730 or $4.05 per student. Cost estimates are also categorized by various types of vandalism, school levels, and school sizes. Many principals involved the police and individual parents in trying to reduce vandalism, but seldom used other community groups. A discussion of these findings notes that procedural or programmatic measures tended to be used more frequently than physical security tactics or behavioral programs. To improve prevention efforts, the report recommends making plant staff more aware of available prevention measures, using more behavioral programs, and developing better cost-reporting systems. Ways that schools can use the report's findings are outlined. Tables, the survey questionnaires, and 12 references are appended.