Public schools have transformed significantly over the past several decades in response to broad concerns about rising school violence. Today's public schools are high security environments employing tactics commonly found in jails and prisons such as police officers, security cameras, identification systems, and secure building strategies.…

Examines the problems of drugs and violence in public schools, with focus on urban schools and the national initiatives and federal laws influencing school practices along with relevant court cases. Final comments discuss the implications for policy and practice. (GR)