Montgomery County, PA

Truancy has become an increasing problem for the Municipality of Norristown and is linked to many troubling factors facing our youth, including school drop-out rates, substance abuse problems and involvement in criminal behavior.  Norristown Police Department has teamed up with a variety of community partners to swiftly and vigorously enforce the truancy ordinances.  Enforcement efforts include door-to-door pick-up of truant youth as well as patrols of neighborhood locations frequented by youth during school hours.  The Norristown Police Department is implementing the Truancy Abatement Initiative in an effort to respond to safety concerns of residents related to unsupervised youth loitering and engaging in criminal behavior during school hours.  In addition, enforcement of the municipality’s truancy ordinances is expected to increase the school enrollment and attendance of high-risk students enabling these youth to access an education and increase their chances of future success.