A discussion of fire risks, causes, prevention, and salvage in libraries is presented in text and photographs. A description of some historic library fires demonstrates the value of adequate protection and preparedness programs to minimize loss and damage. The need for fire retardant construction and protection from valdalism and arson are…

The Commissioner's report provides the Legislature with data in four broad categories of incidents: violence, vandalism, weapons and substance abuse. Analysis of trends yields indications of progress and of concern and provides guidance to the department as it endeavors to focus its resources appropriately. In this report, the department also…

This paper reports on a study that explored the results of a statewide survey conducted in 21 randomly selected counties in Montana during fall 2000. Within each county, no more than 2 school districts were selected for further study, and within each school district, students in the 5th, 7th, and 9th grades were selected to participate in the…

To analyze the role of the counterrioter, the Disaster Research Center at Ohio State University set up field studies in six cities: in three of the cities--Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Youngstown, Ohio--disturbances occurred which lasted for several days and necessitated considerable police mobilization. (Author/JM)

A statistical analysis of the losses due to theft and mutilation in the periodicals collection at Brock University indicates that security needs to be tightened. Nine suggestions for improving security are offered, and six references are cited. (CHC)

In the 1993-94 National Center for Education Statistics survey of 50,000 teachers, secondary teachers consistently rated violence, vandalism, and verbal abuse as more severe in their schools than in elementary schools. Teachers at all levels were concerned about students' physical conflicts. Both levels have become increasingly violent, however,…

Examines an effective response to library or archive theft and vandalism of valuable materials: the restricted access reading room. Discusses the need for an alert staff, user identification, restriction of carry-in items, electronic surveillance, record keeping, limits to quantities of collection materials, exiting procedure, photocopying, theft…

Examines some of the policies and procedures that can be implemented to minimize the possibility of theft or willful damage to manuscripts by researchers or staff. Topics discussed include reading room procedures, record keeping, marking collections, and legislation that addresses thefts from repositories. (10 references) (Author/CLB)

The former HEW National Strategy for Youth Development model was a community-based planning and procedural tool to enhance and to prevent delinquency through a process of youth needs assessments, needs targeted programs, and program impact evaluation. The program's 12 Impact Scales have been found to have acceptable reliabilities, substantial…

This document presents statistics on the characteristics of first commitments from the California Youth Authority (CYA). Offense categories used in the report include violent offenses, property offenses, narcotic and drug offenses, and others. Several highlights of first commitment characteristics are reported: (1) from 1985 to 1986, CYA…

Sometimes districts can improve their maintenance and security and find more efficient and less costly approaches to both areas when they tap their own personnel resources. Illustrations show how effectively problems have been dealt with by people of talent and ability "within the system." (Author/MLF)

This report presents an analysis of crimes committed in the elementary and secondary schools of New York. It is noted that the New York City school system had 3,136 staff related incidents in 989 schools during 1976-77. Analysis of the data also indicated that 414 schools reported no staff related incidents and that an additional 148 schools…

Because of a high vacancy rate and widespread vandalism in its highrise dormitories, the University of Massachusetts commissioned an environmental consultant to assess the problem. A two-year study showed that occupancy increased and vandalism decreased in an experimental dormitory where students were allowed greater freedom to arrange their own…

Selected statistics and findings from HEW's Safe School Study are summarized here, revealing that the secondary school principal is a key figure in reducing school crime and violence. (Author)

Analyzes recent school crime trends, drawing primarily on National Education Association and United States Department of Justice surveys. Presents 1973-1980 data on assault, robbery, and theft--both competed and attempted--against secondary school students, and 1972-1983 figures on assault, vandalism, and theft by students against public school…