Reducing school misdemeanor assaults in urban settings through school collaboration between school leaders and police: A comparative case study
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify how urban high schools can improve safety and reduce the number of misdemeanor assaults among students. The focus of the study was to determine if the leadership within three urban public high schools reduced misdemeanor assaults in their respective facilities through a collaboration with police. A review of school records revealed that all three large, urban high schools in the study initially had a high number of misdemeanor assaults, followed by a substantial reduction in assaults within a 3-year period. All three high schools had newly appointed principals at the beginning of the reduction period. The principal in Public High School 1 employed a management strategy focused on collaboration with the police. The principal held regular strategy meetings with his staff, producing staff behaviors consisting of a closer administrative presence during arrivals, dismissals, and changes in periods. The strategies employed in Public High School 1 resulted in an 84% reduction in misdemeanor assaults over a 3-year period. The principal in Public High School 2 also used a management strategy focused on collaboration with the police, and the principal relied on the knowledge base of his newly assigned dean of discipline, who had an extensive background in safety. Staff members became highly visible in the school hallways and corridors during student arrivals, dismissals, and changes in periods, resulting in greater supervision and contributing to a reduction of 42% in misdemeanor assaults over a 3-year period. The principal of Public High School 3 and a safety advisor appointed by the school board focused on a strategy of mediation and faculty oversight coupled with collaboration with police. The strategy resulted in a 46% reduction in misdemeanor assaults over a 3-year period.
Subject Area
Educational leadership|Criminology
Recommended Citation
Porcher, Darrin K, "Reducing school misdemeanor assaults in urban settings through school collaboration between school leaders and police: A comparative case study" (2012). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI3487302.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI3487302
