There is a multitude of sound research that proves our schools are still the safest and most productive haven for youths. The school is where all victim service and prevention staff should be aiming their talents and resources. Law enforcement has instituted state of the art community policing measures to localize crime prevention efforts and have moved quickly and strategically into the schools in a proactive way. Police officers as school resource personnel have become an integral part of the school system, recognizing the future lies in reaching youth before they offend. We know if a child is not in school, then problems usually develop.
Truancy is cited as the gateway to future criminality, a precursor to future problems.
We must engage ourselves in all forums that offer a chance at reaching youths. Many of you are already doing this, and we can learn from other best practice programs. Prevention and victim services should go hand in hand. Other agencies and non-profit organizations have heard and understood this call to arms and implemented prevention measures combined with victim services. Again, our first goal, sequentially, should be prevention of crime early with outcomes of less victimization.