Access Control
& Security Systems

In a study released last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta has concluded that school homicide and suicide are most likely to occur at the start of the fall and spring semesters.

The study, which sampled events that occurred at schools between 1992 and 1999, states homicide event-rates decline steadily during each semester and increase significantly in association with the transition between semesters. It also found the student suicide rate was higher during the spring semester than the fall.

Another reason for the trend toward violence at the start of a school semester, as reported by the CDC, involves conflicts that started either before or during the holiday break that have escalated into lethal violence by the time students return to school.

The CDC recommends, among other measures, providing a safe school environment through the use of security measures. The findings on suicide are consistent with the nation trend of increased suicide rates in the general population during the spring.

The school homicide rate is at its peak in February, after students return from winter vacation. The second-highest rate is during September, when students return from summer vacation.

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