Participants agreed that no single approach to the problem of weapons at school would be effective. They also agreed unanimously that the issues of school violence and weapons on campus are not solely school problems, but are ones that must be addressed by communities as well. Many participants suggested targeted prevention efforts at early ages, improved school climates, and State and Federal school safety legislation as the basic components needed for building comprehensive strategies. They recommended that schools and communities take actions before crises occur. They suggested that schools identify and assess the extent of the problem in their own communities before developing policies and strategies to confront the presence of weapons and school violence. School policies must carefully define what is considered a weapon. Participants also emphasized the need for improved cooperation, collaboration, and communication between agencies. Lists of suggested short- term and long-term prevention strategies for administrators and teachers.
Weapons: A Deadly Role in the Drama of School Violence
NCJ Number
160983
Journal
School Safety Update Dated: (November 1993) Pages: 1-4
Editor(s)
J L Arnette
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A meeting sponsored by the National School Safety Center in May 1993 brought school representatives and State and Federal policymakers together to consider prevention and intervention strategies that appear to be effective in addressing the increasing presence of weapons on school campuses.
Abstract