Situational crime prevention strategies in schools: an assessment of principals’ perceptions of the effectiveness of security approaches in public high schools

Abstract

This work examines the use of security strategies in schools that are consistent with situational crime prevention (SCP). Results from a mail survey of a random sample of public high schools in New England are used to understand approaches to prevent crime and other problems. School principals were asked about their use of 31 SCP strategies, such as cameras, locks, alarm systems, and rapid repair of damaged property. Five hundred questionnaires were mailed, and 165 principals completed the survey (33% response rate). On average, schools reported using 16 situational techniques. Bivariate analyses revealed numerous school and student characteristics that were associated with greater reliance on SCP strategies, while the multivariate analysis indicated that principals’ perceptions of neighborhood crime level was the best predictor of greater use of situational crime prevention in schools. In addition, school principals shared their perceptions concerning the effectiveness of current security strategies. Implications for school safety and future research considerations are also discussed.