The Effects of School Crime Prevention on Students’ Violent Victimization, Risk Perception, and Fear of Crime: A Multilevel Opportunity Perspective

Abstract

This study examined the effects of school‐based crime prevention strategies aimed at reducing criminal opportunity. Results are mixed as to the effectiveness of such efforts in reducing violent victimization among students. Further, few studies have examined the effects net of student‐level risk factors. Finally, it is unclear as to whether such measures agitate or placate students’ risk perception and fear. Guided by a multilevel opportunity perspective, this study used self‐report data from 2,644 seventh‐grade students nested within 58 schools to test whether such efforts reduce students’ victimization, risk perception, and fear of violence at school. Hierarchical logistic models were estimated to control for individual‐level opportunity for victimization. Net of compositional differences, the prevention practices did not significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing violent victimization or perceptions of risk, and only one measure, metal detectors, significantly reduced fear. Implications for school crime prevention are discussed in light of the findings.

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