Risk Reporter for Educational Facilities
Spring 2016 Vol. 4, Issue 1
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EmailProtection (security management)
School security management systems are evolving
The best way to protect your school from crime is to put a security management system in place.
Many schools have the typical combination of alarms, locks, gates and monitoring equipment, but those aren’t always enough. Today you need to add proven security practices and procedures to complement your security strategy.
You should conduct a thorough security assessment of your buildings and grounds, for example.
Today, it’s fairly common for schools to ask their local police departments to perform a security vulnerability assessment of the school buildings and grounds.
Emergency personnel can show you where your school is most vulnerable. It’s a good idea to take some photos of those areas, too, so you can address the issues later.
Church Mutual recommends hiring a professional security team that specializes in schools. Students, teachers and administrators will immediately feel safer knowing there’s a guard on duty. An in-house security team composed of teachers or staff members also can help identify potential risks as they occur.
Another security trend at schools today is the addition of 24/7 digital surveillance cameras. Having strategically placed cameras both indoors and out can be a powerful deterrent to vandals.
Did You Know?
PROPERTY PROTECTION TIP
Many police officers work security during their off hours. Ask your local law enforcement department if you can hire off-duty officers to provide security during special school events. Plan ahead to ensure police have a better chance of accommodating your school’s schedule.
