Vandalism is a prevalent problem on college campuses. This paper will describe why vandalism is not as readily noticed in higher education as a major problem and what those institutions can do to reduce the issue. Surveillance will be discussed as one of the various ways in which a campus can reduce crime on campus and make the college safer.…

Teachers are creating a public awareness and a demand for solutions to violence and vandalism in the schools. Police, parents, legislators, and teacher associations must work together to solve the problem. (JD)

Defines vandalism, explains several types of vandalism, and examines the monetary and social impact of vandalism. (JM)

The purpose of this paper is to encourage persons concerned with violence and vandalism in schools to take a more critical look at school-crime statistics and reports and their data-gathering methods. It makes two points. First, writings on or about student crime and violence may be misleading because of certain errors in quantifiable data, such…

The governor of Michigan charged the Task Force on School Violence and Vandalism with the responsibility of developing recommendations designed to reduce school violence and vandalism. The Task Force was divided into five subcommittees: (1) Student Concerns, (2) Educational Personnel Concerns, (3) Law Enforcement and School Security Concerns, (4)…

The literature on school vandalism is reviewed, emphasizing strategies found successful in reducing school vandalism. It is interpreted in terms of three ideological orientations: conservative, liberal, and radical. Action research approach, which continually assesses strategy effects on a specific school system, is recommended for future…

If they are to enlisted to help reduce vandalism, student council members must receive accurate information and learn that vandalism is costly, that common sense doesn't provide all the answers concerning it, and that the public's reaction to vandalism cannot be predicted accurately. (MJL)

Campus vandalism has become extremely costly for colleges and universities. Most vandalism occurs on weekends and during special events and is committed by both students and outsiders. Its results affect the entire campus community, either immediately or in increased costs. Successful preventive measures include penalties, police patrols, and good…

Identifies laws from 36 states responding to school crime and violence in the following categories: (1) assault, battery, and related violent crime; (2) illicit drugs; (3) possession of weapons; (4) vandalism and damage to school property; and (5) miscellaneous statutes. Draws policy implications for states. (102 footnotes) (MLF)

One South Bronx (New York) school is untouched by vandalism because the teachers have made a commitment to the school and its students, expressing their concern and approval. The extensive costs of vandalism in other schools could be reduced if teachers were trained to develop positive school climates. (PGD)

One high school's implementation of policies that alleviated the "symptoms" of chronic smoking and some use of drugs and alcohol on school property, chronic truancy from selected classes, and chronic schedule changes is summarized, and efforts toward a lasting resolution of underlying problems in the areas of curriculum and instruction are…

Increasing school violence and vandalism, in Philadelphia and nationwide, require discussion of the likely causes and of new solutions. Crime in schools is extensive, according to the national Safe School Study. Philadelphia data show that school crime there increased from 1975 to 1980 in seven out of ten categories. The authors of the Safe School…

A task force was appointed by the California School Boards Association to investigate the increase in violence and vandalism and to recommend courses of action. The task force found four changes in society contributing to the increase: (1) the breakdown of the home and family unit, (2) the lack of self-discipline in children and the absence of…

A Chicago school worked to establish school security without destroying the atmosphere that fosters trust, creativity, and a sense of community. Short-range tactics are listed, and a long-range effort to develop student and community unity and pride in the school is discussed. (MJL)

To fight school vandalism, a community should set up a broad-based committee for vandalism prevention. The committee might consider setting up a vandalism hotline, installing silent alarms in schools, increasing exterior school lighting and police surveillance, correcting vandalism quickly, and publicizing their efforts and the results.…