Steps to Prevent School Violence Steve Wilder, BA, CHSP, STS Sorensen, Wilder & Associates Bradley, IL

When We Discuss School Security… What local incident comes to mind?

Myths and Facts MYTH –School violence cannot be prevented FACT –Violence is Preventable There is no guarantee that schools with active violence prevention programs will see a reduction, but on average schools with aggressive programs will see less disruptions, and in all likelihood there will be fewer chance of a serious incident

Myths and Facts MYTH –The smaller the school, or the smaller the district, the less the risk. We know our kids and their families. FACT –There is no such thing as a lesser risk. Every school is vulnerable, regardless of school size, community size, or type (public, parochial, etc)

Myths and Facts All we have to do is find the right fix we need in our school –Choose any one: metal detectors, zero tolerance, ID badges, escorts, technology… FACT –There is no single quick fix. School security is a systematic process that must be addressed in four critical areas:

The P2T2® Approach A school security plan invokes four critical areas: –PEOPLE –PROGRAMS –TRAINING –TECHNOLOGY

The P2T2® Approach A school security plan invokes four critical areas: –PEOPLE –PROGRAMS –TRAINING –TECHNOLOGY

PEOPLE People –Employees Selection criteria Background investigation Drug screening Performance monitoring SRO’s Exit interviews

PEOPLE People –Visitors Backgrounds Supervision Criminal history Legitimacy of visit

PROGRAMS Focuses on developing and implementing the right security programs –Written security management plan –Individual security policies –Assignment of responsibilities –Crisis management –Post-incident response –Comprehensive security assessments

TRAINING Focuses on security knowledge of staff –Physical protection of people and property Security staff Non-security staff SRO’s –Training on personal safety and protection –Defusing aggressive behavior –Security awareness training –Proprietary vs. contractual security services Performance based contracts

TECHNOLOGY Making sure we use the right equipment to complete the process –Access Control systems} –CCTV systems} Integrated design –Alarm systems} –Communication / Intercom systems –Lobby / Visitor Management systems –ID systems

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS –Parking lots Utilization Lighting Security vs. Convenience –Sporting Events –After school functions –Contractors –Parent – teacher conferences –Community violence / gang activity

BEING PREPARED 1.Have a written emergency action plan that addresses all perils –Drill the plan – realistic drills –Continuous quality improvement approach to drills –Review plans annually –Update as needed

BEING PREPARED 2.Identify hazards Natural hazards Severe Weather Technological events Explosions Power Outages Man-made Arson Terrorism

BEING PREPARED 3.Assess risks – a qualified assessment Security vulnerability assessment –Qualified outside professional –In-house self assessment team Frequency and severity of risks School risks vs. community risks Coordinate with community disaster plan and community emergency response agencies

BEING PREPARED 4.Establish a command structure –Develop School Incident Command System (SICS) –Train staff, administrators, and school board on their role –Coordinate with community plans –NIMS training for all administrators

BEING PREPARED 5.Recovery and Continuity Plan –Managing the media –Establish a team of well qualified mental health professionals to work with faculty, students, and families –Educate parents on how they can assist

DRILL…DRILL…DRILL (then drill some more…) Stagger the scenario – don’t drill the same thing over and over Tabletop exercises (TTX) Full scale exercises (FSX) Hotwash all drills

Sorensen, Wilder & Associates 111 N. Michigan Ave. Bradley, IL Steve Wilder Raelynn Roman