Criminal incidents continue to drop for the Cherokee County School District, according to a new report from its police department.

Between school years 2007-08 and 2008-09, the number of total incidents reported to the district's police department dropped from 571 to 449.

The district also saw across-the-board decreases in major categories, and the number of arrests made fell from 212 to 184.

The number of fights reported dropped from 28 to 22, as did the number of reported weapons on school grounds from 20 to 13, burglaries from 17 to 9 and drug possession from 38 to 35.

The number of drug transactions fell from seven to six, as did the number of thefts by taking from 103 to 89 and thefts by receiving from 34 to 2.

The only category to see an increase was terroristic threats, which inched from 10 to 11.

Police Chief Mark Kissel said he was impressed by the numbers.

"I would like to think it's contributed to our continued dialogue with parents," he added.

Along with thedrug dog Dale, Kissel also said security cameras at district schools have helped reduce crime.

"It certainly enhances what we do," he said. "We've been able to solve issues that refute and support accusations."

The district has cameras at all middle and high schools, as well as at Avery, Ball Ground, Johnston, Knox, Liberty and Little River elementary schools and Chapman Intermediate.

Kissel said he also believes more students are being "cautious" with their belongings.

Safety and security, he said, begins with individuals being aware of their surroundings.

And with students, he said, "it begins with good parental guidance."

Using its Parental Awareness for Safe Schools (PASS) Program, Kissel said his department has been able to drive that point home.

The PASS Program, established in the district during the 2004-05 school year, is used by school PTAs to inform parents about issues related to providing a safe environment.

To participate in the program, at least 2 percent of a school's PTA membership must attend a minimum of four programs during the school year.

Topics available for PTA members to learn more about include Internet safety, drug interdiction, gang awareness, child abuse awareness, school laws and bicycle rodeo. Once a school completes a certain number of programs, it is designated a PASS School Community.

All schools within the Etowah High School innovation zone have been designated as PASS communities. They are: Etowah High, E.T. Booth Middle, Chapman Intermediate and Bascomb, Boston and Oak Grove Elementary schools.

Along with schools in the Etowah zone, Ball Ground Elementary School in 2007 was designated a PASS community.

Schools in the Woodstock High zone this school year are working toward PASS designation.

School board Chairwoman Janet Read of Towne Lake said the PASS program has been a great benefit to her and other parents.

Mrs. Read, who has two children attending school within the Etowah zone, said the program makes parents more aware about what to look for with certain crimes, such as bullying, cyber-bullying, gangs and drug usage.

"As a parent, I feel like that if my kids know that I'm familiar with these topics, they know it will be harder for them to get away with something," she added.

School officers, she added, also reassure students they can confide in someone about problems they or a friend are having, adding students through the program learn to see the officer as a member of their community and not as an outsider.

Mrs. Read said she also believes the district police presence has been beneficial in times of crises.

"It only takes one incident to realize how important having someone at the scene is," she said.