Many public schools have implemented campus programs by using uniformed police officers, sophisticated alarm systems, tightened security measures, and other activities. However, enthusiasm for such programs has not resulted in clarification of the nature of goals of the process or in firm evidence of their effectiveness. Examinations of archival data and interviews with educators, police, government officials, and students suggest that many school anticrime programs are effective. However, program-by-program examination gives only tentative evidence of some individual programs' success in their areas. Generally, school anticrime programs are ill-conceived and consequently ineffective. Program management is poor, and incidents of crime on public school campuses have not been demonstrably reduced as a result of these programs. Tables, graphs, chapter notes, over 40 references, and data on individual school districts visited are included. (Author abstract modified)