| The highly publicized school shootings of the 1990s generated nationwide concern about the safety of our schools. These incidents frightened the public and generated a widespread belief that there was an epidemic of violence in our schools. However, policy decisions about school safety must be based on objective information, not fears based on extreme cases. Here is a brief overview of violent crimes and school discipline infractions in Virginia that support a different conclusion: namely, that Virginia schools are safe places and that student violence resulting in injury to others is rare. The most common incidents at school involve disrespectful or disruptive behavior, followed by fights and threats that do not result in injury. |
Where do violent crimes occur? |
| |
 |
Over the 15-year period from 1986 to 2000, the number of juveniles admitted to secure detention facilities in Virginia has nearly tripled. Virginia detains juveniles at a rate of 176 per 100,000 juveniles, which is far above the national rate of 96 per 100,000. |
| Source: 2001 Annual Report of Virginia Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Committee |
|
 |
Over the past several years, there has been a marked change in the age of the children involved in the Virginia Juvenile Justice System. The number of very young offenders –children aged 14 and under – has increased dramatically so that they now represent 32% of intake cases with delinquent complaints. In the five year period of 1996 to 2000, the number of children brought to intake aged 14 and under has doubled. |
| Source: 2001 Annual Report of Virginia Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Committee. |
|
Incidents of Violence and Crime in Virginia Schools during the 2002-2003 School Year
Type of Offense
|
Number of Incidents
|
% of Total |
Homicides with Firearms |
0 |
0% |
Homicides, No Firearms |
0 |
0% |
Inappropriate Touching |
1,012 |
5.2% |
Physical Assaults, No Weapon |
6,318 |
32.7% |
Physical Assaults, Weapon |
237 |
1.2% |
Rape, Attempted Rape |
3 |
.002% |
Bullying |
4,352 |
22.5% |
Threats |
7,514 |
38.8% |
Totals |
19,346 |
|
|
Virginia schools are mandated to report incidents of crime and violence to the state Department of Education. During the 2002-2003 school year, there were a total of 19,436 incidents. The most frequent incidents were threats and physical assaults without weapons.
|
Source: Virginia Department of Education, Annual Report: Discipline, Crime and Violence, School Year 2002-2003.
Click here for link to the VDOE report. |
|
|
187 students in Virginia were disciplined for possession of a firearm at school during the 2001-2002 school year. The category of "other firearm" includes bombs and starter pistols, but specifically excludes bb guns and toy guns. |
Source: Virginia Department of Education, Annual Report: Discipline, Crime and Violence, School Year 2002-2003.
Click here for link to the VDOE report. |
|
|
