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CNN's Elizabeth Cohen follows a police officer on duty at a Jonesboro, Arkansas middle school
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April 30, 1999
Web posted at: 1:07 p.m. EDT (1707 GMT)

JONESBORO, Arkansas (CNN) -- After the school shooting in Littleton, Colorado, just over a week ago, many Americans feel a sense of helplessness about youth violence. But Jonesboro, Arkansas, which experienced a school shooting last year, has taken steps to identify children at risk for violent behavior.

Once the initial shock was over, the dead mourned, the wounded healed, and the people of Jonesboro looked for things to do that could identify and help children who might be or become violent.

All junior and senior high schools in Jonesboro have police officers. Suspended students spend the day in a special room where they can be watched, instead of being sent home. Children who are identified as troubled are given mentors, and there are plans for an after-school program for at-risk kids.

The people of Jonesboro know that change takes years, but they hope if they start now, they may be able to identify children who might commit violence in the future and stop it before it starts.