Back to School with a Focus on Safety

The spotlight on school security has been dimmed in recent months as the world focuses on Covid-19.  Schools everywhere are facing new challenges as they open their doors to the 2020 academic year. Sanitation practices, social distancing, masks, and new schedules are on everyone’s mind.  While new risks are present, schools must remain focused on safety far beyond infection rates.  

From kindergartners to graduates, we want everyone to have a positive and prosperous school year. While some districts have decided to proceed with distance learning, others are headed back to the classroom.  Many factors affect the mental health of today’s students. It’s important to remember, where some thrived in distance learning, others may have fallen behind.  And some children lack support and resources at home. 

Unfortunately, children are also not immune to the frightening civil unrest that spread across our country this summer.  Messages of racial injustice and violence are spread to the youngest generation through platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and YouTube.  2020 has had an effect on all of us.

It’s important for school administrators to keep these factors in mind as security programs are reviewed.  A safe environment isn’t just for the students - teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, administration, custodians, cooks - everyone stepping inside a school deserves to feel safe.

From our perspective at Twin City Security, we see numerous benefits from a security presence on school grounds.  Director of Security, Security Guard, Security Liaison Officer, Campus Monitor, Security Specialist - whatever you may call this individual, we realize the position is not new.  While positions of law enforcement remain in question around the country, we’re here to share a few benefits of implementing, keeping, or even expanding security measures for local school districts.

Source: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d19/tables/dt19_233.70.asp

Controlled building access

Most school entrances are locked during school hours.  This is nothing new.   As a security officer greets students and visitors with a friendly and familiar face, a positive tone is set.  On a normal day, a security liaison monitors access points, guides visitors, and greets students.  

Should an ill-intentioned visitor arrive at the door, that same familiar face is trained to restrict access and contact local authorities when necessary.  The presence alone can provide peace of mind to parents sending their youngsters off each morning.  School staff also gains assurance behaviors are monitored and suspicious activity is addressed.

Deter crime

In any scenario, the top priority of a security officer is to deter crime.  While some school security professionals are armed, many are not. Weapons are not required to deter crime.  The same presence that provides mom and dad peace of mind at the front door also puts criminals on high alert.  The sight of security alone is often enough for kids to leave weapons at home and have wrongful visitors turning around.

Additional measures can be taken - requiring visitors to provide ID, random backpack checks, the use of metal detection, and educational assemblies are all beneficial strategies for keeping our schools safe.

Develop relationships

Hiring the correct person for the job is key.  A school security officer must engage with students and create relationships.  Creating rapport is crucial.  Mutual respect can lead to improved behaviors and faster de-escalation of fights or arguments.  Students also learn the staffed officer ‘has their back’.  Trust must be built so when a student does feel threatened, bullied, or in danger, they can easily confide in their school’s office. Avoiding disaster and harm is a top priority.

Teachers, principals, and counselors also play key roles.  It’s no doubt students turn to other trusted individuals when in need.  These key staff members also notice odd behavior. School staff and security must unite to monitor specific behaviors, investigate threats, and in issuing disciplinary action.

 A school security guard may be the first real interaction a child has with an authoritative law enforcement figure. The positive interactions and trust built in elementary school is an important building block in creating a lifetime of appreciation for law enforcement at all levels.

Back to school in 2020

As you head back to school this year - whether you’re a parent, student, teacher, or principal - it’s important we all remain positive and proactive.  At Twin City Security, we’re here to support your security efforts and we’d like to wish everyone a safe and prosperous academic year ahead.  Should you have questions or want to learn more, please contact us.

Learn more about our services.

Read other informative blogs: 

3 Benefits of Unarmed over Armed Security

The Intricacies of Securing Buildings & Commercial Property

4 Benefits of a Partnership with Twin City Security

Sources:

George Lucas Educational Foundation: https://www.edutopia.org/article/covid-19s-impact-students-academic-and-mental-well-being#:~:text=Impacts%20on%20Students'%20Mental%20Health&text=%E2%80%9CThe%20Covid%2D19%20pandemic%20may,the%20authors%20of%20that%20study.

National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d19/tables/dt19_233.70.asp