Virginia Beach Launches STOP Program to Reduce School Threats

Virginia Beach has launched two major initiatives aimed at promoting safety and positive behavior within the community. The School Threat Offense Program (STOP), created by the Virginia Beach Court Services Unit and Police Department, is a five-week educational intervention for youth adjudicated on school-related threats, emphasizing accountability, behavioral awareness, and community safety. Early results from STOP show notable improvements in participants’ behavior and emotional regulation, with the program aiming to reduce juvenile incarceration while correcting negative behaviors. In addition, the city has introduced the 'Good Vibes Only' campaign to foster a welcoming environment, particularly targeting youth and visitors to the Oceanfront, by encouraging respectful behavior and making clear that laws will be enforced. City officials highlight the campaign's dual focus on positive messaging and strong enforcement, and they plan to seek community feedback and potentially advocate for changes to law enforcement approaches. These efforts come amid heightened concerns about crime, particularly after a spring break weekend saw a significant number of arrests and firearms confiscations.