WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - Just seven days into the school year, authorities in East Baton Rouge Parish have their hands full keeping kids off the streets and in the classroom.

Last year the number of students skipping school was down 5 percent compared to the 2009 school year, and sheriff's deputies hope regular patrols keep it that way.

Today several patrols fanned out to a number of neighborhoods, looking for kids walking the street and following tips called in by concerned citizens.

Deputies sometimes take the kids to school, or to the district truancy center. They also warn the parents that if the child missed five or more unexcused days the District Attorney's office could get involved.