NCJ Number
188053
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 68 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2001 Pages: 34-39
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
March 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development and implementation of the Monrovia, California Anti-Truancy Ordinance offering a solution in keeping children safe and in school.
Abstract
Truancy is a growing problem across the country. Many jurisdictions are fighting to keep kids in school by implementing daytime curfews. In 1994, Monrovia, California adopted the Anti-Truancy Ordinance designed to keep students in school and out of trouble. The Monrovia ordinance is a pre-delinquency effort with its most important goal: to show children they care about their futures and help them understand the need for them to be in school, fulfilling their true potential. The ordinance allows police officers to issue non-criminal citations to children under 18 found off school grounds between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on school days unless accompanied by an adult. Special exceptions are made for minors traveling to or from work or a medical appointment and for those with written authorization from school. If a truant is found guilty, they are required to pay a fine of $135 or perform 27 hours of community service work for the school district. If the court determines that the parent or legal guardian is not exercising proper control and supervision, the court may suggest the parent attend a free 12-hour parenting workshop. Results since the implementation of the ordinance include: reduction in daytime crime; reduction in property crime; increased school attendance; and students held accountable for their actions. Since its implementation, truancy in Monrovia dropped 39 percent and daytime crime dropped 40 percent. References