The Community Safety Education Act also known as Senate Bill 30, was passed by the 85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2017. The legislation added Section 28.012, regarding the instruction on interaction with law enforcement, to the Texas Education Code (TEC).
So now, what is the purpose of the community safety education act? The Community Safety Education Act aims to enhance public safety by promoting awareness and understanding of community safety measures through education initiatives. The Act strives to empower individuals and communities to actively contribute to crime prevention, emergency preparedness, and fostering a secure and resilient environment for all residents.
The legislation requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to adopt rules to include the instruction developed under TEC, §28.012, in one or more courses in the required curriculum for students in grades 9-12.
The SBOE adopted a new rule in Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), §74.39, Requirements for Instruction on Proper Interaction with Peace Officers, that became effective August 27, 2018. This rule requires school districts and charter schools to provide instruction to students in grades 9-12 on proper interaction with peace officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters.
The new requirement applies to any student who enters grade 9 in the 2018-2019 school year and thereafter. The SBOE also adopted an amendment to 19 TAC §74.5, Academic Achievement Record (Transcript), to require clear indication on the academic achievement record of completion by a student of the required instruction on proper interaction with peace officers.
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What is the Purpose of the Community Safety Education Act
In general terms, the purpose of the Community Safety Education Act is to elevate the aspect of our day-to-day activities, which enlightens us on staying safe and creating an enabling environment for ourselves to grow, it helps young people learn about the importance of preventing injuries.
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Some Specific Purposes of the Community Safety Education Act
The primary aims and objectives of the community safety education acts are listed below:
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Ensuring the public safety
Ensure public safety through comprehensive educational programs. It mandates initiatives to inform and prepare communities about crime prevention, emergency response, and safety measures. By fostering awareness and understanding, the Act aims to empower the public to actively participate in creating a secure environment, contributing to overall community resilience and well-being.
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Lessening crime rates
This legislation mandates programs that inform communities about crime prevention strategies and safety measures. By enhancing public awareness and understanding, the Act aims to empower individuals and communities, ultimately contributing to a reduction in crime rates through proactive engagement and informed decision-making.
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Community partnership with local authorities
The Community Safety Education Act encourages community partnerships with local authorities to enhance public safety. By promoting understanding and cooperation between residents and law enforcement, the Act aims to create a unified front in addressing safety concerns, thereby strengthening the overall safety and well-being of the community.
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Spreading awareness in citizens through community engagement and knowledge
By fostering community engagement, the Act encourages active participation in creating a safer environment. Spreading awareness and knowledge empowers citizens to make informed decisions, ultimately contributing to a more secure and resilient community, where individuals are better equipped to address safety challenges collaboratively with local authorities.
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Provision of financial aids and resources
The Community Safety Education Act not only emphasizes education but also includes provisions for financial aids and resources. It allocates funds to support crime prevention programs, emergency response initiatives, and community safety projects. By providing financial aid, the Act ensures that communities have the resources necessary to implement effective safety measures. This multifaceted approach aims to empower individuals through education while also addressing practical needs. Ultimately, the Act seeks to create a comprehensive framework where both knowledge and tangible support work together to enhance public safety and foster resilient communities in the face of potential challenges.
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Mandatory and essential safety education in institutions
The Community Safety Education Act mandates essential safety education in institutions, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and crime prevention. Educational programs within schools, workplaces, and other institutions become compulsory, ensuring that individuals acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for personal and community safety. By making safety education mandatory, the Act aims to create a widespread culture of awareness and preparedness, fostering a secure environment where citizens are equipped to contribute actively to maintaining public safety.
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Ensuring the continuous learning
The Community Safety Act ensures continuous learning by integrating ongoing educational initiatives into its framework. It establishes programs that promote a culture of learning regarding safety, crime prevention, and emergency response. By mandating regular updates and training sessions, the Act ensures that individuals, communities, and relevant authorities stay informed about the latest developments in safety measures. This continuous learning approach fosters adaptability and preparedness, allowing communities to evolve alongside emerging safety challenges. Through regular educational interventions, the Act contributes to a dynamic and well-informed public, enhancing overall community resilience and safety awareness.
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Safety of culture
The Community Safety Act bolsters a safety culture by emphasizing awareness, education, and collaboration. It mandates educational programs promoting crime prevention and emergency preparedness, fostering a community-wide commitment to safety. By encouraging dialogue and partnerships between residents and authorities, the Act builds a shared responsibility for safety. Through these efforts, it cultivates a pervasive safety mindset, where individuals are actively engaged in promoting and adhering to safety measures, contributing to a robust and resilient safety culture within the community.
Other Purposes
- Develop and consolidate the progress of the traffic rules and Public activities. It includes respecting gender equity. It gives access to positions at all levels of the Justice System.
- Institutionalize and strengthen mechanisms that improve the access of the entire population to the judicial administration system and alternative forms of conflict resolution, such as arbitration, conciliation, and mediation, and establish spaces for training mediators, to streamline the administration of justice and contribute with it to social peace.
- Train and sensitize the personnel of all the institutions of the Justice System on human rights, with emphasis on the rights of women, children, and adolescents.
- Universalize and strengthen the reform of the penitentiary system, as a means of rehabilitation, re-education, and social reintegration of people who are serving sentences.
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In conclusion, the Community Safety Act emerges as a comprehensive framework, weaving together education, collaboration, and resource allocation to fortify the fabric of public safety. Mandating essential safety education, fostering community partnerships, and providing financial support, the Act lays the groundwork for resilient communities. By promoting continuous learning, adaptability, and a shared responsibility for safety, it cultivates a robust safety culture. In a world of evolving challenges, the Act stands as a beacon, illuminating the path toward informed, prepared, and interconnected communities. Through its multifaceted approach, the Community Safety Act paves the way for a safer and more secure future for all residents.
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