Dramatic decrease in student arrests reported in Alexandria schools, according to latest quarterly data.
In a positive development for the Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), the eighth quarterly safety report compiled by the Office of Safety and Security Services reveals a significant drop in student arrests and safety incidents.
The latest report, covering the period between January and June, details 262 safety incidents, a decrease from the previous quarter. Interestingly, no elementary or K-8 students were arrested or referred to court during this period. The report also highlights that high schools had 82 incidents, middle schools had 61, and K-8 schools had 18.
The district confiscated 8 weapons during the period, including 6 knives, 1 stun gun, and 1 can of pepper spray. Emergency medical assistance calls increased by 15 compared to the previous quarter, and Alexandria Police responded to 124 calls for service during the quarter, not solely for criminal incidents.
However, the report shows that high schools accounted for 11 of the 14 arrests and court referrals during the third and fourth quarters, while middle schools had 3. This is a significant shift from previous years, where middle schools recorded 23-25 arrests and referrals per semester.
Fights and assaults led all incident categories with 83 cases during the winter and spring quarters. The arrest and referral data show demographic patterns, with high school cases involving 4 White males (non-Hispanic), 4 White males (Hispanic), 1 Black female (non-Hispanic), and 1 Black male (non-Hispanic). Middle school referrals involved 3 Black females (non-Hispanic) and 1 White male (Hispanic).
Elementary schools recorded the highest number of total incidents during the third and fourth quarters, with 101. However, it's worth noting that this is a decrease from the previous semesters, where elementary schools saw varying levels of incidents. This academic year, elementary and K-8 schools maintained minimal numbers of incidents.
The School Committee will present the quarterly safety report at their regular meeting on Thursday at 6 PM at 1340 Braddock Place. The report reveals a 59% decrease in student arrests and court referrals from the 2023-24 school year to the 2024-25 school year, with a total of 28 cases.
Missing student reports decreased by 6 cases compared to the previous quarter, and Safety incidents peaked in March with 61 reports and declined sharply to 19 in June as the academic year ended.
Overall, the report presents a positive trend in the safety of Alexandria City Public Schools, with a significant decrease in student arrests and incidents. The School Board will receive the safety presentation on Thursday at 6 p.m. at 1340 Braddock Place as part of their school board meeting.
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