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New data shows increase in school violence

Posted at 11:28 PM, Oct 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-18 02:28:16-04

New data from the Nevada Department of Education shows there were more violent incidents at Clark County School District schools last year compared to the previous year. 

During the 2016-2017 school year, state data shows there were 6.784 students disciplined for violence against either students or staff. During the 2015-2016 school year, that number stood at 6,471.

There were also more incidents of students disciplined for weapons during 2016-2017 as opposed to the 2015-2016 school year. 

While the state has yet to release data on the current school year, CCSD police have already responded to 3 stabbings on campus. Two of those stabbings happened in less than a week. 

"It's alarming," said Chris Martinez, a father of a Clark High School student. 

Parents are also concerned over budget cuts which are affecting the school police department. 

The department recently had to cut nearly $1 million in the face of a district-wide financial crisis. 

President of the Police Association of CCSD Matt Caldwell said those cuts affected officer's overtime hours and decreased patrols at special events. 

In a recent interview after an on-campus stabbing, CCSD Police Captain Ken Young said more patrols won't equal less violence.

"You can't say that law enforcement is going to fix every situation. You can't say that's the cure all for this," Young said. 

Young said violence among kids is concerning to everyone in the community, and it will take a team effort to stop it.