When it comes to school safety and security, administrators, teachers, and campus support staff are all members of the security team.
Custodians and janitors, front office staff, administrators, teachers, nurses and social workers, food service, bus drivers and even students have shared responsibilities when it comes to maintaining a safe and secure campus.
It’s vital to remember that in most situations, the people in the building are the first responders, not the people outside.
Custodians and maintenance staffers, for example, are often the only people who know the campus inside and out. They have the responsibility to report any conditions which may compromise security or pose a safety risk.
Food Service workers should know about security threats from unlocked back doors and unsecured shipping docks. They must maintain a screening system like the front of the school by keeping these doors locked, only opening upon a doorbell system or a surveillance camera.
Teachers and office staff need to be vigilant, as well. They should follow the “see something, say something” practice. If they see someone they do not recognize, they should address that person by asking if they can help — even if they assume they have already been authorized. If they aren’t comfortable in a direct situation, they should relay their concerns to the appropriate staff member for follow-up. Teachers can be as much a part of visitor management as the front office.
Bus drivers also play an important role by being alert to any conditions or conversations which may pose a threat to school safety and security.
A recent Minneapolis Star-Tribune column underscores the importance of school staff; particularly counselors and social workers; in providing a safe and secure environment.
“Kids today face a variety of challenges that many could not imagine. From the daily pressures of social media to preparing for college and managing difficult home situations such as homelessness, parental substance abuse or the death of a loved one, students of all ages deserve to have access to highly qualified professionals who can help and support them academically, socially, physically and emotionally. Often, support staff are the first point of contact for students in need of help. Without them, students who are displaying warning signs of distress or illness might go unnoticed and opportunities to prevent harm could be missed.”
In addition, many school districts are making staff responsibilities for safety and security a matter of official policy. Take this example from Durham (NC) Public Schools:
“Each employee is to place health and safety requirements first in importance in the performance of his or her work duties for Durham Public Schools. The protection of all students, fellow employees, and visitors while on Durham Public Schools’ property is a shared responsibility of every employee.
“All employees,” the policy notes, “are required to participate in various mandated general safety and health training programs based on their work environment and job responsibilities. Additional safety training may be required for specialty job positions that cover safe work practices and procedures for assigned job duties. All employees are responsible to help identify safety or health violations or deficiencies and notify their immediate supervisor for corrective actions.”
Throughout the school year, it’s important to listen and share communications amongst all school staffers on safety and security issues, conduct safety and security training on a regular basis, and familiarize staffers with the school’s community resource officers and other first responders in the school district.