Caution should be exercised when drawing conclusions from the percentage of change in individual crime categories. The fourth category, Other Crimes, had an overall 14 percent decrease, including a 12 percent decrease in the number of weapons found on campus, a 40 percent decrease in the number of bomb threats, and an 18 percent decrease in the number of loitering and trespassing incidents. These past five years of data collection are providing valuable objective information on which to identify crime trends and to develop appropriate programs, tactics, and strategies for combating crime on school campuses. Added emphasis also must be placed on supporting conflict resolution programs, increasing student involvement, curtailing the use of alcohol and other drugs, and focusing attention on campus security measures, she said. School-based programs work best when supported by community efforts, especially a clear, consistent message about appropriate student behavior.
Schools have additional resources to engage communities in a safe school planning process.
We thank the Governor and the Legislature for the additional resources they provided for school safety measures after the Columbine tragedy. At the same time, California remains last in the number of school counselors per student and we need to fix that. The CSSA report contains a comprehensive list of resources that can provide information and support. All school districts and county offices of education in California are eligible to receive federal funds under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. The California Healthy Kids Program Dissemination Center also offers information and technical assistance.