Operation Homefront

The Boston Police Department’s
Operation Homefront is a national award-winning collaboration between the
School Police Unit, Youth Violence Strike Force, Boston Public School Police as
well as community- and faith-based organizations. This program operates under
the premise that the family provides the first line of defense against gang and
criminal activity among youth.

Following a referral, law
enforcement officers, Boston Public Schools, service providers, or clergy may
conduct weekly home visits to inform parents or guardians about their child’s
behavior and to educate them about the warning signs of criminal and/or gang
involvement.

This effort sends a strong
message to identified youth that neither their school, their community, nor,
most importantly, their home will tolerate their actions. In situations that
warrant additional services, the School Police Unit will make referrals to
social workers at Youth Connect.

In 2007, the School Police
Unit made approximately 550 home visits. Officers reported a success rate of
80%. More than 50 faith-based partners participated in the program providing more
than 100 schools with an intervention plan for at-risk students and student
bodies.