Discusses the practice of using undercover narcotics agents in the schools, a practice that has not yet been tested in the courts. (IRT)

To become more educated consumers in the burgeoning school-security marketplace, boards should beware sales ploys involving strategic alliances, questionable nonprofit or "research" organizations, free assessments, bargain-basement prices, the widget approach, and gimmicks. Insets debate armed officers on campus and provide a school-security…

The 16 school districts in Tulsa County, Oklahoma, found that the most effective method to reduce truancy is to take truants to court. As a result of truancy prosecution, hundreds of students are back in school. Outlines an eight-step program to put a solid truancy prosecution program in place. (MLF)

To fight gang activity, an Ohio school system took the lead in forming a coalition consisting of representatives from 25 community groups and agencies. Actions have included providing school-based intervention and training at the high school, and establishing an intelligence link between the schools and local law enforcement. (MLF)

Currently, there is no standardized level of training for school security officers. Recommends training that includes 40 hours of training before assuming a security assignment, plus an additional 40 hours each year of on-the-job training. Security people should be self-motivated. (MLF)

Describes the delinquency-reduction program in Bath, New York. A juvenile aide officer serves as a liaison between the school and criminal justice system to informally resolve less serious incidents. (LMI)

Violent incidents have marred Friday-night football games, Saturday-night dances, and other activities in schools across the country. Describes what a number of districts are doing to protect students at such events and offers advice from school security officers. (MLF)

Increasingly, schools are hiring personnel dedicated exclusively to security duties as part of the district's school-safety plan. The first step is to conduct a full assessment of a district's current security operation and specific security needs. Security personnel should be under the direction of a trained and experienced security professional.…

The widespread use of weapons by teenagers has prompted forceful responses from school districts. Some have installed sophisticated security equipment; others increasingly are arming their security guards. (MLF)

Provides an in-depth discussion of issue of gang violence and effects on schools. In past two decades street gangs have become a problem, not just in large urban centers, but also in smaller urban areas and suburbs. Outlines seven ways to work at preventing gang activities in schools. Urges school boards to play greater role in fighting gang…

As administrators contemplate installing metal detectors, different legal issues must be considered. Five lessons learned from past litigation are listed to aid administrators in their decision. A sample policy outline concerning weapons and metal detectors is provided. (KDP)

Summoning police officers to help investigate the report of an armed student is the prudent and safe thing for school officials to do. Police officers receive extensive training in dealing with armed subjects. School staff training should include all staff members and should provide information about where to report, how to report, and to whom.…

Outlines the steps taken in Atlanta's public schools, as a result of the continuing, unsolved murders of over 20 Black youths, to protect children from potential danger, to provide a sense of stability and business-as-usual, and to help children put their fears into perspective.(WD)

A federal case from Georgia about strip-searches of fifth-grade students for a missing $26 was appealed to the 11th Circuit Court. The 11th Circuit affirmed the district court that the strip searches were unconstitutional but that certain federal law rules shielded the school employees, a police officer, the school district, and the county from…