From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Philly schools see major drop in violence and weapons
Philadelphia schools have cut weapons confiscations by two-thirds and student fights by a fifth, with the safety chief crediting relationship-building and conflict prevention.
In brief
Philadelphia schools have cut weapons confiscations by two-thirds and student fights by a fifth, with the safety chief crediting relationship-building and conflict prevention. Building trusted relationships between students and adults, combined with early intervention and outside partnerships, can significantly reduce…
Weapons down 67% in Philly schools
Confiscated weapons dropped from 516 in 2021-2022 to 171 in 2024-2025. Knives are most common, with firearms making up about 4% of seizures.
Student fights also declining
Total assaults and fights dropped 22% districtwide from 2021 to 2025, according to analysis of serious incident reports.
Safety chief wants to maintain momentum
Craig Johnson, School District of Philadelphia's Chief of Safety, is focused on keeping downward trends going as the new school year begins.
Training shifted to relationship-building
Johnson credits changed training that focuses on building relationships with students and intervening before violence occurs, rather than just responding after.
“Our training changed, and so we really focus on building relationships with students and meeting them where they are.”
Conflict mediation training for officers
The safety team trained school safety officers in conflict mediation and offers post-fight stabilization groups and ongoing care sessions through the city's behavioral health department.
Youth Violence Reduction Initiative works
John Bartram High School uses this model to provide mentorship and case management to at-risk students, seeing significant drops in fighting and gun violence.
Community partners help break up fights
The district works with organizations like the Philadelphia Anti-Gang, Anti-Violence Network to help break up campus fights and prevent street violence near schools.
Every student needs an anchor adult
Johnson emphasizes that every child needs at least one trusted adult in school they can talk to without fear of judgment, and most safety information comes from students reporting concerns.
“Every child needs an anchor. At least one anchor, and that's a person that you can go to to talk to about anything, without fear of judgment or reprisal.”
Increased presence at dismissal time
When potential conflicts are known, the district boosts safety officer presence at dismissal or gets support from Philadelphia Police Department, which Johnson says provides outstanding daily support.
Parents worry about campus closures
Despite improvements, parents have expressed concerns that the district's plan to close 17 campuses in fall 2027 could escalate tensions between students from different schools.
Outside help for adult conflicts
When adults are involved in disputes, the district brings in outside organizations to mediate, get people in a room to discuss issues, and reach agreements on how to behave.
The key point
Building trusted relationships between students and adults, combined with early intervention and outside partnerships, can significantly reduce school violence.
