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School Safety in the Beholder’s Hands

School Safety in the Beholder’s Hands

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School safety has improved with modern technology. Camera systems, target hardening (strengthening the target), and other crime prevention systems will not secure schools if they are not used properly. One may think that technology is better, therefore the security will be better, but that is only if the beholder uses the security systems properly.

As it states in the Police Chief Magazine, “As good as modern security technology is, it cannot replace common-sense systems of visitor and vender control.” Police Chief Magazine suggests that schools should use both “technology and CPTED” for school security. CPTED is an advanced principle that stands for crime prevention through environmental design. CPTED has been a proven effective method of crime prevention, but is only as good as the beholder’s judgement.

Effective crime prevention tools can provide school safety only when the right people are in place. Tools like crime prevention are good but the person has to use them correctly. Proper training and having the correct people using the tools can make effective use of modern technology. Structures like CPTED are good, but criminals can still find a way in, and it is necessary for administrators and security officers to be aware of the limitations and use good judgment accordingly.

When the right resource officers and school administrators are in place and are trained correctly, tools like crime prevention camera systems can be proven as an effective tool for school safety.

School safety

School Security and School Safety

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With Spring Break fast approaching, schools should be focusing on plans to protect their vacant campuses during the extended break. Every year, schools become targets for vandalism, trespassing, graffiti and theft, leaving behind extensive and EXPENSIVE damages for the district.

As we focus on “school security” and “school safety,” these two terms seem interchangeable, but there is difference between the two. Dan Flynn, author of the article “The ABCs of School Security” featured in Police Chief Magazine differentiates between the two.

School safety relies on the condition of the school, where school security relies on the means and products in which to deliver the safe environment. School safety is an “ideal” state of being  free of any hazards or danger. Building codes, preventative maintenance efforts, good community, and well trained staff are all examples of what can create a safer school environment.  School security is the condition of being protected or prevented from danger. Security cameras, campus police and school resource officers, and CPTED are examples of school security. When schools improve on their security efforts, they tend to improve their overall safety of the school.

Police Chief Magazine also suggests collaborating between law enforcement experts and the private security industry experts to develop school security programs. By training the teachers and providing the latest technology and security systems in schools will also provide a safer environment for the students and faculty.