Examines the attitudes of Texas junior high/middle school and high school principals (n=207). Focuses on the severity of four school problems and the possibility of five criminology and criminal justice concepts. States that these are important for students to learn about to deter school crime. Includes references. (CMK)

Summarizes broadly representative research and promising practices in school systems aimed at reducing discipline problems and school crime. Advises that disciplinary strategies and procedures should be developed in collaboration with school staff and students and be administered fairly and consistently. (15 references) (MLF)

In 1985 the Illinois Legislature revised its Juvenile Court Act and sections of the criminal code to get tough on juvenile crime and school-related crime. The Illinois Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the act. Greater legislative and judicial support is a national trend to control school violence. (MLF)

Regarded as the nation's gang violence capital, Los Angeles' politicians and law enforcement and school administrators are using knowledge from lost battles to win the war. Solutions include targeting younger children, teaching self-esteem and communication skills, as well as organizing group graffiti cleanups. (SI)

Managing the issues associated with gang activity is prioritized in Minneapolis parks. A strong commitment to interagency cooperation and teamwork has effectively addressed the root causes of gang formation and prevented some criminal behavior. The article examines public safety enforcement, summer programs for Minnesota youths, positive role…

Analysis of national crime data, 1973-90, indicates that central-city residents have the highest crime risk, although rural residents are more likely to be victimized by acquaintances or relatives. Other factors associated with differential vulnerabilities are age, educational attainment, income, marital status, gender, and race. (TES)

Recidivism of first-time offenders sentenced to a "boot camp" program is compared to traditional prison sentences and probation; Variables such as age, race, and type of offense are included in cross-tabulations and multivariate analysis. A survey of 83 participants studied attitudes toward the experience. Discussion of findings points…

An evaluation is presented of "Changing Lives Through Literature," a program designed as an alternative to jail. The study followed up the first 32 men to complete the program and compared them to a matched group of 40 probationers. Reconviction rate was favorable. Interview information and other influences on recidivism are considered.…

Contends that the source of school violence is children's insensitivity to others' feelings. Explains that young children should experience sensitivity training, while older children must learn about the "social contract," including topics on determining criminal blame and the issue of punishment. States that educators and the juvenile justice…

Describes the various components of an effective campus security program, including the master plan/needs assessment, law enforcement staffing, security technology, access control, closed circuit television systems, and emergency planning. (EV)

Reviews three current approaches to preventing child abuse in Great Britain: clinical health-led risk-assessment model, broader social-reform strategies, and criminal justice youth victimization models. Explores sources of contradiction through definitions of child abuse underpinning different strategies. Proposes change in language of child…

School officials should adopt no-tolerance policies that require educators' discretion in punishing misbehaving students (based on due process and fundamental fairness), rather than relying on the zero-tolerance approach, which fails to differentiate among different levels of offenses. Even disruptive students deserve due process and appropriate…

Crime went down throughout the U.S. in the 1990s. Potential explanations include demographic shifts, improved economic opportunities, changes in drug markets, evolving police strategies, and an increasing prison population. Previous attempts to parcel out responsibility among these explanations are unpersuasive. Some do not consider all of the…

This article examines the role of technology in an attempt to curb school violence. Despite an increasing national focus on school violence and schools' growing desire for hardware to deal with the problem, the role of technology in making schools safer remains ill-defined and undecided. However, some educators caution that the use of technology…

Parents are warned about the dangers of child sexual abuse and child pornography. To recognize potential threats, parents should know their children well, take time to communicate with them, and watch for changes in personality patterns. (PP)