Serious crime and violence concentrated in a small percentage of schools. Violence more likely in larger, urban schools and with older students. Also urban schools are twice as likely as rural schools to report serious violent crimes, and middle and high schools are 4 times more likely than elementary schools to report such crimes. Fist fights and theft the most common crimes. Overall, physical attacks and fights without weapons are the crimes most often reported to police by middle and high schools.
Theft is the most common school crime overall.
Fewer weapons in schools. Gang presence nearly doubled. Violence and drugs linked. Students who reported being the victims of violent crimes at schools were more likely to report the availability of drugs at school. The presence of gangs and guns is also related to school crime and the victimization of students.