Citation

Heinen E, Webb-Dempsey J, Moore L, McClellan C, Friebel C. J. School Violence 2007; 6(3): 113-130.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J202v06n03_07

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

As a result of the Columbine incident and other events, states and districts across the United States have responded with vigor to a call for a renewed focus on school safety. This paper examined one such effort undertaken by Harrison County Public Schools, located in West Virginia. The district received federal funding for surveillance equipment used to enhance safety efforts at middle and high schools, as well as to coordinate a collaborative relationship with local emergency responders. This paper used qualitative and quantitative measures to examine the impact of this project on teachers and administrators in the district. Results indicated that a substantive focus on school safetyincluding surveillance equipment significantly impacted perceptions of safety. However, administrators should consider the impact of school culture when implementing these new changes.