Included in the overall reduction was a 50 percent drop in violent and juvenile crime between 1993 and 1998 and a 33 percent drop in arrests for weapons violations for the same period. The actual number of juvenile arrests for every violent and property crime also fell, even though the number of juveniles in the population is increasing. Indicators of School Crime and Safety presents a mixed picture of school safety. Despite a decline in the overall school crime rate, many students are more fearful for their safety at schools. The data in the report suggest that perceptions about school safety play a large part in the school climate.
Further work is needed to fully understand the issues involved with school crime and safety.