U.S. Schools Report Drop in Campus Incidents

While the rate of reported violent incidents on K-12 campuses has declined, the use of technology and drills has increased.

Between 2009-2010 and 2013-2014, the rate of violent incidents at U.S. public schools decreased, while at the same time, the use of security equipment and training increased. That’s according to a new federal study released today.

Although 65 percent of the nation’s schools reported at least one violent incident in 2013-2014, that rate is six percentage points less than the rate in 2009-2010 (74 percent), reports the Washington Post. Additionally, last year 15 violent incidents per 1,000 students were reported, compared to 25 for every 1,000 students in 2009-2010.

K-12 campuses reported serious violence, such as rape, attempted rate, fighting with a weapon and robbery, fell by three percentage points, from 16 percent in 2009-2010 to 13 percent last year.

While the rate of reported incidents declined, the use of video surveillance increased. As of last year, three out of four schools have deployed security cameras. Additionally, 88 percent of schools had written a plan for active shooter scenarios, reports WISHTV.

Other highlights of the report include:

  • 90 percent of U.S. public high schools and 53 percent of elementary schools reported a violent incident
  • 75 percent of schools in 2013-2014 used security cameras, compared to 61 percent in 2009-2010
  • 5 percent say student sexual harassment happens every month
  • The percentage of schools using electronic emergency notification systems rose from 63 percent to 82 percent
  • 70 percent had students participate in an active shooter drill in 2013-2014, compared to 52 percent in 2009-2010
  • The percentage of schools banning cell phone dropped by 15 points, from 91 percent in 2010 to 76 percent last year

The Washington Post reports that the new report was compiled using different methodologies than in 2009-2010.

If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

About the Author

robin hattersley headshot
Contact:

Robin has been covering the security and campus law enforcement industries since 1998 and is a specialist in school, university and hospital security, public safety and emergency management, as well as emerging technologies and systems integration. She joined CS in 2005 and has authored award-winning editorial on campus law enforcement and security funding, officer recruitment and retention, access control, IP video, network integration, event management, crime trends, the Clery Act, Title IX compliance, sexual assault, dating abuse, emergency communications, incident management software and more. Robin has been featured on national and local media outlets and was formerly associate editor for the trade publication Security Sales & Integration. She obtained her undergraduate degree in history from California State University, Long Beach.

Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century

This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!

Get Our Newsletters
Campus Safety Conference promo