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CRIME IMPLICATIONS AND OUR PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM

NCJ Number
142616
Journal
Texas Police Journal Volume: 41 Issue: 4 Dated: (May 1993) Pages: 11-14
Author(s)
M L Strope; T Bond
Date Published
1993
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Two perspectives -- those of law enforcement and public education -- on the relationship between crime and at-risk students (defined here as those most likely to drop out of school) are discussed.
Abstract
Between 1965 and 1989, violent crime increased by 150 percent, according to FBI statistics. Public concern and awareness of crime is also at an all-time high. However, while much of the available research suggests that crime is largely caused by social and economic factors -- the density and size of the community population, ethnic and racial composition of the population, economic status, population stability, climate, law enforcement services quality, court policies, and public attitudes toward crime -- public spending has focused on increasing the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. The focus of crime prevention efforts should be on effectively educating all young people, especially those who are at risk of dropping out of school. These students are typically characterized by a low socioeconomic status, parental unemployment and substance abuse, and physical abuse. Three components are key to instigate effective learning: a good school featuring enthusiastic and competent teachers, a supportive family, and a community which values education. However, this author argues that, at heart, American society does not value education and urges parents, the community, and law enforcement agencies to take an active role in schooling society's youngsters. 5 references