When I was a kid the only time a cop ever showed up at school was to teach us the D.A.R.E. program. Cops have no place in a school.  I think this is just a plan to get kids accustomed to constant search and seizure and invasion of their rights.

Avi E (Crimanimal) Thursday, March 01, 2012 11:35:20 AM Recommend (22)

The thought of kids in handcuffs for getting to school late - not for skipping school and causing trouble, just for arriving late - horrifies me. I was very ill two weeks ago, was on a ton of medication, and was late twice taking my son to school. Life happens, and treating our children like criminals for small offenses is ridiculous.

Jen Strange (JenStrange) Thursday, March 01, 2012 9:55:20 AM Recommend (31)

My god! We should be making it as easy as possible for these kids! They are already starting this foot-race with 10 lbs weights attached to their ankles, while middle classs and upper middle class kids get a 10 minute lead and are wearing in-lin skates to boot!

It's stories like this (we have similar truency rules in TX) that make me think the legislation is more because of prejudice and the general disgust that legislators and those in power have with the disadvantaged, rather than any real attempt to correct social ills, or to provide oppurtunities to young men and women who start out basically good, but then end up giving into a world that seems to think they are just born "bad."

No wonder some of them turn to gangs... at least the gangs "protect" them, rather than handcuff them because their parents aren't rich enough to give them an SUV on their 16th birthday so they can get to school on time..

Treating kids as criminals because they don't have the resources, the infrastructure (both family and social), nor the support to get to school on time is ... well, it's just insane, stupid, and wrong!

The Raven (yeathl) Thursday, March 01, 2012 1:32:56 PM Recommend (1)

Punitive laws and punitive enforcement RARELY bring any aspect of an improved society.

Beside the rare yell and/or swat to the rear of a young child who runs wildly toward a dangerous street, there are extremely few examples of positive change--rather, we mostly move, dysfunctionally toward bitterment and resentment.

Mark me down for less punitive options--we're all a lot smarter than locking up the poor or trying to 'squeeze blood from a turnip!"

R D Harmony (homebuilding) Thursday, March 01, 2012 8:54:09 AM Recommend (13)

I just can't believe this... I am very aware of the US being pushed in the direction of being a complete Police State, but it seems like I am reminded almost on a weekly basis just how far past the line we have crossed. NO CHILD should be subjected to this kind of criminal treatment, even if they are playing hooky and/or running late.
The militarization of our nations police is gross, and sickening. This is a free Country? Or is a free country with conditions? You can't have it both ways.

jay rock (sweer_n_tender) Thursday, March 01, 2012 10:11:34 AM Recommend (18)