Concerns for student safety are a commonly cited reason for the presence of police in schools. But as the nation grapples with the appropriate roles and responsibilities of police more broadly, the time is right to shine a light on what we know about the effects of police in schools. This brief summarizes the research related to this question.…

In June, President Biden announced a comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence and other violent crime, including preventive measures proven to reduce violent crime and attack its root causes. This strategy encourages using the American Rescue Plan's (ARP's) historic funding levels, including the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency…

"Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2008" provides the most recent national indicators on school crime and safety. The information presented in this report is intended to serve as a reference for policymakers and practitioners so that they can develop effective programs and policies aimed at violence and school crime prevention. The…

A study of school principals in the Mississippi delta area of Arkansas explored principals' perceptions of violence in school, and their feelings towards the necessity of violence-prevention programs. Questionnaires were mailed to 292 principals of elementary, middle, and high schools, and 239 responded (81.8 percent). Of the responses, there were…

This document contains the text of a Senate hearing on crimes against the elderly. Senator Paula Hawkins examines funding for day care of the elderly and discusses the crime of elder abuse and other crimes against the elderly. Two victims of abuse testify about their abuse, a victim of violent crime describes her victimization, and a…

This report on safety in Minnesota's secondary and postsecondary schools assesses and evaluates the impact of existing laws and programs on school safety and anti-violence and recommends changes in law or policy to increase safety and curb violence. The report is based on a 1995-97 survey of postsecondary students, interviews with campus security…

This document contains testimony from a Congressional hearing held in New Jersey to examine violent crime against the elderly. Opening statements are presented from committee members Matthew J. Rinaldo, William J. Hughes, Christopher H. Smith, and Dan Mica. Four panels of witnesses testify: (1) two elderly victims of violent crime; (2) federal,…

Key findings are presented from a survey conducted by the California Research Bureau showing that most California school districts incorporate violence prevention program curricula with a strong police and security presence. Many schools have installed closed circuit video surveillance cameras, canine searches, and metal detectors. Unfortunately,…

This report profiles the issue of youth violence: the history of its appearance in U.S. culture, the recent escalation of gang activity in U.S. communities, and the strategies put forth in smaller cities to meet this challenge. The report notes that there has been an explosion of gang violence in the United States that has been fostered by a…

Data show that gangs, drugs, and random murders are becoming staples in the lives of U.S. children. Every major U.S. city is facing a deadly gang problem, exemplified by drive-by shootings and teenagers brandishing assault weapons. This document presents witness testimony, prepared statements, and panel discussions that examine the problem of gang…

In recent years, communities across the country have struggled to develop effective solutions to the problem of gun violence. Many have approached the United States Department of Justice for help in identifying solutions. This publication was developed in response to these requests. It is designed to provide state and local elected officials,…

This handbook, directed toward governing boards, provides strategies to help district and county boards prevent or reduce school violence. It focuses on prevention and early intervention. This second edition was updated in response to school-safety issues following several incidents in American schools. Following an executive summary and…

Reports on the impact of the Minneapolis (Minnesota) Police Experiment, which indicated that a policy of mandatory or presumptive arrest was a deterrent to domestic violence. Discusses how police departments began to adopt this approach. Recommends that arrest be one of several control methods used in domestic violence cases. (CFR)

Recent headlines in the North Carolina and national media illustrate that many schools are unsafe places for children and school staff. Problems associated with student misconduct and student crime can be found in schools and appear to be increasing. This publication identifies strategies for creating safe environments for learning in North…

Among 17 conclusions and recommendations of a study on current policies and procedures related to campus safety at Florida institutions of higher education are the following: (1) there is a need for an expanded definition or additional category of crime for recording incidents involving students, either as victims or perpetrators, that occur in…