Crime Prevention Tips - School Safety
Although many schools are safe, others can be just as susceptible to crime as other environments. Parents are encouraged to read through the following facts and crime prevention tips in regards to school safety. If you have information in regards to a safety issue in one of our community's schools, please contact the Munster Police Department immediately at 836-6600 to report the information or dial 911 in an emergency. You can also leave information on our anonymous tip line by calling 836-1010 or via anonymous email by clicking here.
FACTS ABOUT SCHOOL VIOLENCE
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According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 17 children and teens were killed at school during the 2001-2002 school year.
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In a 2001 survey conducted by the National School Safety Center, more than 60% of high school boys and 15% of middle school boys stated that they could obtain a gun if they wanted to.
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In the same survey, 69% of high school boys and 27% of middle school boys stated that they knew how to obtain drugs.
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In the same survey, 30% of the students reported being bullied.
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In another 2001 survey conducted by the National School Safety Center, 25% of students reported that they knew at least one fellow student who had been the victim of dating violence.
TIPS ON HELPING WITH SCHOOL SAFETY FOR PARENTS, SCHOOLS, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
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Listen to your children if they report bullying to you or if they are worried about another child's well-being. Take appropriate action immediately--do not wait.
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Pay attention to who your child is spending their time with. Ask them about their day and encourage them to speak with you when they are feeling stress.
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Encourage your children to report suspicious behavior or criminal acts to school officials and/or the police department immediately and to let you know about the activity as well.
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Enforce zero tolerance policies toward the presence of alcohol, weapons, and illegal drugs.
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Establish and enforce drug and gun-free zones.
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Develop protocols between law enforcement and the school about ways to share information on at-risk youth.
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Develop resource lists that provide referral services for students who are depressed or under severe stress.
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Involve teenagers in programs such as mediation, mentoring, peer assistance, Crime Watch in the schools, and graffiti removal programs.
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Insist that all students leave outerwear in their lockers during school hours.
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Develop and enforce dress codes that ban gang-related clothing.
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Establish and maintain a policy of positive identification including the use of ID badges for all staff, students, and visitors.
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Provide programs that condemn bullying and other acts of violence against others.
For more information on school safety please contact Officer James Ghrist, D.A.R.E./Crime Prevention Officer, at 219-836-6639 or jghrist@munster.org.
National Crime Prevention Council Website
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