NCJ Number
175091
Journal
Police Chief Volume: Issue: 8 Dated: August 1998 Pages: 28-30-36
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Appropriate countermeasures could prevent a significant proportion of the deaths and injuries that occur on and near school campuses and have enabled the Bibb County (Ga.) Public School System to reduce school weapons violations by more than 70 percent and to retain its record of never having had a student shot at school despite a high threat level.
Abstract
Bibb County School District police officers have successfully thwarted at least six planned assaults with firearms. The first step in dealing with weapons on or near campus is for school system and law enforcement personnel to conduct a local assessment of weapons cases and the types of weapons involved. They should also consider the type and frequency of weapons assaults in the larger community, the existence of youth gangs or activity relating to violent extremist groups, the number and severity of fights at school, environmental factors such as the dress code and student access to cars, and the issue of copycat offenders who may emulate incidents elsewhere. Serious weapons incidents are more likely in places without countermeasures. Effective countermeasures include the assignment of armed, sworn, carefully selected and specially trained police personnel to secondary schools; the implementation of a well-designed dress code and code of conduct; classroom educational programs; announcements over the intercom system; posters; student behavior contracts; and education for employees, parents, and the community. Specific countermeasures can include a variety of weapons screening efforts; screening must match the identified threat level and be researched by informed legal counsel. Police involved with school weapons reduction programs need to recognize the importance of a professional and polite demeanor to make students feel free and safe. Photograph and address of source of videotape about weapons in schools