Let’s start with something we can all agree on: Something needs to be done about school security, and summer is the best time to begin. The shooting of 19 children and 2 teachers in Uvalde, Texas has everyone up in arms about the safety and security of our children, especially in K-12 schools. And it should! If we can’t protect the most precious of those in society, what does that say about us?
Unfortunately, Uvalde is not the only horrific shooting at schools in the United States. There have been numerous school shootings throughout the years, often with the same aftermath. Everyone is furious and quick to decide that something needs to be done, however, that’s usually where it ends. Arguments over gun control, police officers in schools, electronic security solutions, and numerous other potential solutions ensue, and again, nothing gets done.
Before I give my two cents, I want to explain why I feel I am qualified to give this opinion. I am the President and Co-Owner of Midwest Integrated Solutions, and I’ve spent over 40 years working to provide protection to those most vulnerable including students, teachers, infants, children, senior citizens, and others who live and/or work in potentially hazardous environments.
I’ve designed security systems that protect infants and children, senior citizens, healthcare workers, educators, hospitality workers, homeowners, small business owners, and others. In addition, I’ve taught classes to police officers, firefighters, security officers, healthcare workers, educators, and others on physical self-protection and self-preservation, including crime prevention.
With all that said, I will be the first to admit I don’t have an absolute solution. I don’t think anybody does. I do have recommendations on how to get a handle on minimizing the risk of these types of incidents though. We can’t wait until AFTER an incident to do something about it. We need to start right now.
My suggestions:
1. Create a school security task force that consists of:
- School Officials
- Teachers
- Principals
- School Resource Officers
- Bus Drivers
- Social Workers
2. Law Enforcement
- Local Police
- County Police
- State Police
3. Security Professionals
- Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
- Weapons Detection
- Access Control
- CCTV
- Alarm Systems
4. Architects and Engineers
- Schools need to be designed with security in mind
- Target hardening
- Lighting
- Landscaping
- Parking lots
5. Cybercrime and social media/bullying experts
6. Someone with the authority to enact the recommendations of the task force.
I’m sure there could be others, but this would certainly be a great start. If we enact some of the measures of this task force, precious little lives could be saved immediately. Let’s get down to the business of protection for our students and staff.
For information on our education security options click here https://midwestintegrated.com/education/
-Chris Sorensen, President and CEO
