Lessons Learned About School Security from the USA

Educational environments are generally about openness and freedom of movement. After recent events in the United States such an approach is changing to one of enhanced physical security, access control and guardianship.

Recent gun violence in American schools has resulted in radical changes to common security approaches. These changes have included training of students in basic security such as not opening locked doors for strangers, mandatory display of identification on campus, duress technology in administration and teaching rooms, radio communication between various teaching and security staff, and immediate reporting to on-site security staff through electronic communication points.

Various schools have met with parents and faculty with almost unanimous outcomes that school security takes precedence over open access to the school.  This has resulted in situational risk assessments leading to a risk mitigation plan in many schools to enhance existing security systems. Lockdown procedures are also being revised with automation for door controls in many cases.

Although schools wish to remain inviting, especially for new enrolments, it is important that vulnerable students, staff and visitors are suitably protected.