NCJ Number
146871
Date Published
1984
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This study proposes to develop and test two strategies to reduce crime and fear of crime in large, big-city high schools.
Abstract
The first strategy is tighter perimeter control, through the use of metal detector screening at school entrances and time release alarm locks on all exits. This strategy is designed to reduce outsider crimes and student weapons use. The second strategy would create cooperative social control within the school community through a structured exchange of information between teachers and guards, students and guards, and among the guards themselves. This strategy is aimed at reducing crimes committed by students. The report proposes to test these strategies in controlled experiments, involving 15 high schools in New York City. Each school will be randomly assigned to the perimeter control group, cooperative social control group, or no change group. Pretest interviews will be used to assess the level of weapons carrying, crime, and order problems. The interviews will be repeated one year after the strategies are implemented to evaluate their impact on school crime and violence. 19 references and appendixes