Early learning prevents crime

Gov. Gregoire has included preschool for low-income children on the list of programs she would like to see restored by the Legislature as it wrestles with closing yet another budget gap in 2010 (Jan. 12 article, “Gregoire wants to save state services; tax hikes on horizon.”) We wholeheartedly agree with the governor's recommendation about early learning for our state's most vulnerable youngsters.

Why do a sheriff and police chief care about quality preschool? Our experience in law enforcement confirms what research has shown: High-quality early learning is an effective crime prevention strategy. Although there is no substitute for tough law enforcement, this is not the only solution to reducing crime. Any comprehensive solution to reducing crime and violence must include a commitment to preventing crime and criminals in the first place.

Long-term studies of high-quality preschools have found that at-risk kids who do not attend these programs tend to drop out of high school and abuse illegal drugs. They are 70 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime by age 18 and five times more likely to be repeat offenders by age 27. Conversely, at-risk children who participate in preschool programs are significantly less likely to end up in the criminal justice system.

We urge the Legislature to maintain our state's investment in ECEAP. We must help get every child on the road to success in school and in life and make our communities safer.


James I. Scharf
Chief of Police
City of Everett

John Lovick
Snohomish County Sheriff