The New York State Department of Education is reporting that public schools in Westchester County reported an increase in violent incidents for the 2006-2007 school year.
The Journal News reports:
Public schools in Westchester County reported a greater number of violent incidents in the 2006-07 term, according to new state data, but because of inconsistent reporting the increase doesn’t necessarily mean schools are less safe. Reports of serious crimes, such as sex abuse, assault, robbery and weapons possession, rose from 526 in 2005-06 to 547 in 2006-07, according to data on violent and disruptive incidents released by the state Education Department. Serious crimes involving weapons increased by 11 to 213, and overall incidents involving weapons rose from 213 to 239.”
In 2007, former New York State Comptroller Alan Hevesi reported that school districts in New York State were under-reporting violence in schools by as much as 60%. A report that is hardly news to many parents and students in New Rochelle where some school officials have adopted a “don’t ask-don’t tell” policy when it comes to school violence and weapons violations. Of course, exceptions are made such as when school property is involved at which points police are called and arrests made.