Leaders: Education Leads To Crime Drop
This video is no longer available.
Speaking before a backdrop of preschool students with the Washington-Douglas Head Start Center, local law enforcement leaders explained the importance of early childhood education, and its impact on crime. Sheriff David Woolfork said, despite federal and state financial woes, a continued focus must remain on early education. He said students that take part in preschool or ‘head start’ programs, are much more likely to graduate from high school. High school graduates, Woolfork said, are much less likely to be involved in crime. The sheriff was joined by Jackson Police Chief Gill Kendrick. Both men are members of the ‘Fight Crime, Invest In Kids’ campaign. The national effort works to encourage participation in early education, as well as showing its impact on crime. Sheriff Woolfork said of the $15 million annually that are spent on law enforcement in the county, half of that is spent on corrections. He hopes to see that number decrease over time, with proper education initiatives. Sheriff Woolfork and Chief Kendrick have been involved in the national ‘Fight Crime, Invest In Kids’ initiative for years.
