The ineffectiveness of zero-tolerance policies is the social aspect that enables and empowers serial killers to kill and remain unidentified for a long time. Zero tolerance refers to code language where the school system shows no empathy, mercy, or patience (Meadows, 2018). The learning institutions have failed in their responsibility to enforce school laws, and the same applies to both the law enforcement agencies and parents. Through zero-tolerance policies, the responsible law departments have been engaging in both punitive and preventive practices that unfairly punish undeserving students while allowing repeat offenders to kill and remain unidentified for a long time. That is the case since no evidence exists that the harsh application of the policies results in injustice. Meadows (2018) shows that while zero-tolerance policies have a place in school security programs, the threat of overenforcement has been linked to labeling students unfairly and undermining school-community relations. That is why no evidence exists that zero-tolerance policies equal no violence.
When students know the policies and work, they are less likely to bring cry drugs and weapons to schools. Reported evidence has shown that since zero tolerance is associated with injustice, the extreme disciplinary measures taken against that wrongfully suspected have caused those involved in criminal activities to increase their offenses (Meadows, 2018). The forms of victimization associated with zero-tolerance policies make repeat offenders act carefully when planning and executing crimes. With the knowledge of possible damages of their carelessness, the serial killers become responsible for ensuring they apply discretion in every crime they commit. That takes longer before the public realizes what the offenders have done and remains unidentified for more extended periods.
Reference
Meadows, R. J. (2018). Understanding Violence and Victimization (7th Edition). Pearson Education (US).