Creating a safe learning environment doesn't happen without proper planning. To help ensure the safety of your students, faculty, administrators and visitors to your school, we've put together a list of 10 essential steps to help guide you through the process.
- Establish a security task force
Identify security partners and create a common vision for your school. - Prepare and schedule an annual risk assessment
A qualified and experienced security specialist can help you assess your school's safety assets and areas of risk. - Conduct a thorough risk assessment
Examine your school's physical characteristics, security technology, and safety and security-related policies. Review crime and discipline data. - Identify and prioritize short-term and long-term needs
Based on risk assessment findings, prioritize the measures to be implemented. - Determine short-term and long-term budget requirements
Implementing procedural changes and/or crime prevention curriculum may cost little to nothing. Remember, the hidden cost of doing nothing may outweigh your budget challenges. - Investigate funding resources
Evidence of a thorough risk assessment can make your school eligible for federal funding. - Integrate administrators, teachers, parents, local police and students into your planning process
Share your security plan and related efforts with your community, local police and other schools in your area. - Implement strategies for response to identified needs
Clearly defining roles of school personnel in regard to school safety, security and operations can contribute significantly to a successful security program. - Monitor the implementation and evaluate the effectiveness of the plan
Holding "mock" security checks and regular debriefs after an incident occurs allows you to constantly re-evaluate security processes. - Schedule yearly evaluations to check progress and identify new gaps in the plan
Regularly documenting assessments of your security implementation can reduce risk and liability.
