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Taking Aim at Truancy

NCJ Number
111505
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 57 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1988) Pages: 8-12
Author(s)
J R Martin; A D Schulze; M Valdez
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The evaluation of the Houston School Task Force Program (Texas) -- a program to increase safety on school grounds and surrounding neighborhoods and reduce truancy and dropouts -- shows that although it was limited in its impact on juvenile crime, it improved police-juvenile relations and increased persons' sense of security in targeted areas.
Abstract
Officers assigned to the task force were volunteers selected on the basis of their commitment to task force goals. Their primary responsibility was to maintain high visibility in and around the middle schools and high schools. This included 'sweeps' of truants around the schools and the handling of cases involving students with school attendance problems. Officers were involved with students and parents through the Professional Teacher's Organization and individual counseling. Particular attention was given to businesses selling drug and pornographic materials to juveniles. A comprehensive assessment of the program consisted of a pre-post questionnaire distributed to a random sample of 1,000 teachers and administrators before and after the school year began. The arrest data of task force officers were also obtained. The impact of the program on truancy could not be determined since school district administrators did not provide access to the relevant school attendance statistics. Juvenile crime in the targeted areas remained stable. The most positive benefits were improved police-student relations and an increased sense of safety among school staff and students. Plans are underway to expand the program to more school districts.