Violent crime rates in Bloomington are substantially lower than in Hennepin County as a whole. This low rate of violent crime is reflected by students' feelings of safety in the community. Ninety-six percent of 6th, 9th, and 12th grade students reported feeling safe in the community in 1998. These risk factors have to do with the school environment, where youth spend a great deal of their time, and are among their peers. A positive home life does not guarantee non-violent behavior at school or with peers.
Students worry about having friends.
This rate has declined since 1992. Students who feel comfortable socially are less likely to be violent. Involvement with a delinquent peer group or a gang . Violent behavior is role modeled, encouraged, justified, and reinforced. Except in the 6th grade, gang activity at school is being perceived as less of a problem than previously.