Petaling Jaya, 28th October 2025 - Be sensitive, balanced and consistent, as school safety must blend enforcement with empathy to create real and lasting impact, say criminologists.
Police patrols can deter misconduct and boost confidence among students and teachers, but enforcement alone is insufficient without counselling, mental health support and positive engagement between officers, educators and families, they warned.
Criminologist, Dr. Zalmizy Hussin said, the effectiveness of increasing patrols in schools depends on how such measures were integrated with broader prevention strategies.
"A visible and well-planned police presence can have a positive psychological effect, making students and teachers feel safer while discouraging acts of bullying, violence or delinquent behaviour.
“When potential offenders know they are being observed, the risk of getting caught increases and that serves as a strong deterrent,” he said.
He said patrols and enforcement, combined with other measures such as those announced by the Education and Home Ministries, can help address disciplinary and crime-related issues.
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The Star article attached.