Enough is Enough…
The recent shooting at Nashville Covenant School left at least 6 dead, including 3 children, ages 9 and 8. We have been in the security business for over 40 years, and it sickens us every time we hear about another school shooting, knowing it most likely could have been prevented or at least mitigated to reduce the loss of life.
We’ve been through numerous school shootings in the United States, including, but not limited to:
- Virginia Tech
- Sandy Hook Elementary
- Robb Elementary
- University of Texas
- Stoneman Douglas
- Columbine
- Northern Illinois University, and far too many more……….
EVERY school in the United States including K-12 and higher education facilities should immediately conduct a formal and comprehensive security vulnerability assessment (SVA) of their building and grounds. We recommend that this assessment be completed by a competent security professional with experience specific to educational facilities.
Our P2T2® system allows the SVA to be as comprehensive as possible and takes into consideration all aspects of a total security management program, including:
People
- Staff Interviews
- Selection Criteria
- Background Investigation
- Drug Screening
- Exit Interviews
Programs
- The Security Management PlanA
- Policy and Procedure Development
- Designation of SRO
- Safety & Security Policies
- Annual Physical Security Assessments
- Security system maintenance
- Lockdown drills
- Active shooter drills
- Staffing and Organization
- Crisis Management
- Post Incident Recovery
Training
- Security Training for Security Staff
- Security Training for Non-Security Staff
- Security Awareness
- Physical Protection of People and Property
- Security Services
- Recognizing and Defusing Aggressive Behavior
Technology
- Access Control
- Electronic access control is recommended
- Immediate lockdown capability
- Door propped open alarm
- Latch retraction alarm
- Access gates, if needed
- Video intercom system with door release
- Security film on doors and windows to make penetration difficult
- Access Control
Key Management Systems
- Master/Submaster keying system
- Electronic key control
- Accountability
CCTV
- Every entrance to the building
- Every parking lot
- Corridors
- Cafeteria
- Gymnasium
- Outdoor activity areas
- School buses
Alarm Systems
- Central monitoring of alarms
- Duress alarms installed
- Intrusion alarms installed
Communication / Mass Notification Systems
- Immediate emergency notifications to staff, students, parents, police, firefighters, and/or emergency medical staff
- Weather alerts
- Active shooter alerts
- Fire
Visitor ID Systems
- Know who is in the building and where they belong
- Print a photo ID badge with the authorized location to visit
- Custody issues
- Campus watchlists
- Automatic registered sex offender check
Weapons Detection Systems
- Proactive defense against gun violence
The SVA is only the beginning. You must implement the solutions to the issues identified during the assessment. Those that might be too expensive to address immediately should become the basis for a Strategic Plan for Security Improvements.
Proper use and application of the integrated security systems design process are some of the most important elements in defense against dynamic threats and potentially catastrophic losses. Typically, design and integration meld technological and physical elements into the overall protection program. When carefully and diligently followed, the process results in a fully integrated security program.
For additional information or to schedule a security assessment, please contact Steve Wilder at Sorensen, Wilder, and Associates or Chris Sorensen at Midwest Integrated Solutions.
Steve Wilder: (815) 933-5977 or swilder@swa4safety.com
Chris Sorensen: (815-933-8376 or csorensen@midwestintegrated.com
We have spent our entire adult lives in the protection of babies, children, educators, care providers, police, security officers, and more. We are also parents and grandparents. We sincerely want to help.