Shooting incidents are becoming scarier with each new occurrence. Parents and teachers have been wondering what to do to keep these from happening again.
For security in schools to be improved and reduce the likelihood of shooting and other untoward incidents, there are four big steps that can be taken. These include preemptive response, limiting access, securing classrooms and on-site incident response.
Preemptive Response
One way to prevent violence in schools is to establish an environment that offers solid security. To do this, possible offenders are profiled.
Students who were victims of shooting incidents and other campus violence are surveyed and asked to explain their experiences. The valuable information gathered can be used, so experts will know how to address related cases. Teachers and faculty staff must follow due process and never obstruct any intervention.
Additionally, troubled students are closely monitored, including people close to them. This will help keep them from being a danger to other students. School authorities and security personnel must be trained to identify and respond to red flags seen on social media or in their day-to day-interactions.
Restrict Access to School Grounds
The school must ensure that they have limited entry and exit points. It also goes without saying that entrances and exits must be well-guarded at all times. Inspecting bags and other belongings may also help prevent students from carrying bladed weapons, guns or explosives to the campus.
More importantly, the campus area must be kept secure and fenced in. Campuses can rely on top quality fencing supplies in Utah or any other state to help security personnel in monitoring the perimeter. The fences can be built as high as necessary and installed with surveillance or security systems, which can be viewed remotely or from a central command center.
Secure the Area
The next crucial step is to secure classrooms, especially since they are potential targets of shooters inside the school. They are often made shelter or refuge.
Doors and windows enable observation and protection for students, but in case of a shooting incident, this can be a huge problem. Make sure that doors are easily lockable from the inside and install additional blocking systems.
Additionally, it has now become a necessity to train kids on how to react during shooting scenarios. Like emergency drills, teachers and students should be taught what to do in case a shooter comes in and takes control of a classroom.
On-Site Incident Response
Schools must be well-equipped with on-site incident response capabilities. This will allow designated security personnel, whether privately hired or in house, to confront and take down an active shooter in worst-case scenarios.
Schools can have dedicated police assigned at the campus, hire private security staff, look for a volunteer security personnel from the community who will work as plainclothes guards, and or have their staff or faculty armed and well prepared in case of any untoward incident.
Too many innocent lives have been lost in school shootings. Instead of passing the blame on parents or teachers, schools should focus on keeping the campus safe and secure and preparing school personnel and students for the worst.
