A cooperative effort between the Arkansas military and the judicial system seems to have found a way to reduce juvenile repeat crime. The Civilian Student Training Program, sponsored by the Arkansas National Guard, takes 390 boys aged 11 to 17 referred by judges each year and puts them through 9 weeks of disciplined activity at Camp Robinson, the Atkins Lions Club was told Thursday by Judith Coats. The program involves some military aspects, but is not a boot camp with drill instructors shouting in their faces. The boys may leave but can't come back.
Leaders carry no guns, using pepper spray and the threat of having to fill sand bags for discipline.
It has served 1,700 students since it was started in 1993. No violent offenders are accepted, with concentration on those guilty of breaking and entering or drug use. Money for a parallel program for girls is in Category C of the state budget, meaning it will be funded only if there is a lot of state revenue. The students sleep in open barracks, where they are required to make their beds, keep their clothing neatly in foot lockers, and shine their boots in military fashion and do cleaning. They are taught to do their homework and be respectful of teachers.