John Bangs, of the National Union of Teachers, also broadly welcomed the plan, but stressed it would only be appropriate for a small number of schools where gang violence was a problem.

BBC: RELATED BBC SITES

Through a colleague I found a small shelter operated by a reformed ex-con and former gang member who has spent the majority of his life in prison.

BBC: Picture power: Living dead of the drug war

That commute became a test of nerve and savvy for the small group of children from the neighborhood who would try to anticipate gang hot spots and avoid them for fear of attack.

WSJ: Chicago Shooting Highlights a Common Path