Violent acts drop; improved searches lead to higher possession report
November 5, 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nancy Hester, Chief Information Officer, Administrative Services, 560-2504DURHAM—The number of violent acts in Durham Public Schools dropped during the 2002-03 school year. The district’s zero tolerance policy, law enforcement partnerships, and security measures are resulting in improved school environments but higher numbers of overall reported incidents. Durham Public Schools reported a total of 216 acts in 2002-03, up from 139 in 2001-02, primarily due to the use of security measures, increased reporting and the zero tolerance policy. These two acts accounted for 80 of the increases reported. The number of actual violent acts in Durham Public Schools decreased by more than one third during the 2002-03 school year, from 33 to 21. These figures are derived from the compilation of assault and robbery offenses. The district is fourth least violent among the state’s five largest school systems, with a 7.209 per 1,000 incidence rate. Although violent acts decreased, the total number of offenses involving possession of controlled substances and weapons other than firearms increased. Durham Public Schools officials attribute this to improved methods for student searches, an increase in willingness among students to report infractions, and the district’s zero-tolerance policy. Highlights of the report include: A decrease by more than two thirds of assault on school personnel (not resulting in serious injury), from 23 in 2001-02 to seven in 2002-03; A decrease by more than half of assault resulting in serious injury, from seven incidents to three; No increase in possession of firearms, with three in both 2002-03 and the previous year; No assaults involving a weapon again in 2002-03. Durham Public Schools has experienced a steadily upward trend in academic achievement over the past six years. In addition, with safety and security as the top priority, there has been an increase of law enforcement officers, metal detectors, installment of alarm sensors, security cameras, security lighting and fencing at a number of campuses. “This report reflects a highly focused effort on the prevention of unacceptable behavior in our schools, with a substantially improved success rate in decreasing violence and identifying possession of controlled substances and weapons,” said Superintendent Ann T. Denlinger. “We enjoy a very strong partnership with local law enforcement agencies and community youth organizations who are assisting us greatly as we make schools safer for students and employees.” ### For NCDPI report, visit www.ncpublicschools.org
