With back-to-school days just around the corner, it’s imperative that school administrators review their security and safety protocols with teachers and support staff and have a solid plan to manage potential risks to ensure student and staff safety.
Ensuring school safety at the start of the new school year requires a thorough assessment of critical areas to mitigate risks and protect students and staff.
Here are key components every school administrator should review to enhance safety measures and readiness.
Physical Property Security
Bomb threats, suspicious devices and terrorism are just a few threats to a school’s physical property. It’s important to review security issues including access control and perimeter security. Appropriate security measures include:
- Survey locks, fences, exterior lights and other physical security devices to ensure they’re in place where needed and in proper operating condition.
- Establish a monthly inspection of your security perimeter and key protective features of your facility.
- Create and follow strict visitor control procedures (e.g., mandatory sign-ins, name badges, escorts). Additionally, lock all doors while school is in session, with a staff member monitoring entrances and exits. If you’re considering building a new facility or renovating a current one, include security and disaster resilience in the building plans.
- Review your procedures for issuing facility keys and access cards. All staff, volunteers and part-time or seasonal staff should be screened before being issued building access. Keep a key and card list and have a procedure for managing a situation when an employee is terminated.
School Violence
With the growing trend of bullying and highly-publicized school violence (e.g., shootings), school violence is a serious risk that should be addressed by:
- Installing metal detectors at entrances to the facility, if needed.
- Hiring security guards or officers to monitor activity in the school.
- Enforcing student conduct and dress code policies.
- Training staff on the warning signs of potentially violent behavior.
- Educating students about violence. For example, create an anti-bullying instructional program and conduct active shooter training.
Other Criminal Activity
Beware of criminal incidents happening within a 1,000-foot radius of school premises, such as gang-related activities, drug dealing and physical violence. Preventive measures against these crimes include:
- Advising staff and volunteers to report suspicious persons or activity in or around the building.
- Video Surveillance Systems can serve as an excellent crime deterrent, and when the system is equipped with network video recorder it can help solve crimes.
- Discussing security at the start of the year with your local police department. They are often very willing to provide information and support to local school districts.
The Education Team at Sonitrol Great Lakes stands ready to advise school administrators and others responsible for security and safety on best practices throughout the new academic year. Contact us to learn more.