Crucial Tips to Improve School Security Now

School safety has never been more important than it is today. Keeping our students and teachers protected while in school has become a top priority in today’s society. To help safeguard students, faculty, and visitors at your area school, Frontier Security Guard & Patrol recommends the following tips to improve school security.

Security Tips for School Admin:

• Develop a comprehensive safety plan: A school safety plan should include procedures for emergencies, such as fires, lockdowns, and evacuations. The plan should also include measures to prevent crime and violence, such as security cameras, access control systems, and visitor screening.
• Train staff and students on safety procedures:  Regularly conduct drills and training sessions so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
• Maintain open communication:  Keep parents, guardians, and the community informed about school safety issues and measures being taken to address them.
• Create a positive school climate: Schools that have a positive climate are less likely to experience violence and crime. Create a supportive environment where students feel safe and respected.
• Monitor and Limit Access: To enhance security on school property, the number of access points should be limited. Designate a main entrance for students, staff, and visitors. Keep other doors locked and monitor them throughout the day. Implement strategies that prevent intruders by securing and monitoring entry to the school, with quick and easy exits in case of an emergency.
• Keep Unoccupied Areas Locked: For areas of the school that aren’t in use, it is best to keep them locked up. Ban access to the building that is not in use. Designate a limited number of staff to be responsible for keeping areas locked and unlocked. Apply a system in which keys are managed. When keys are misplaced, change the locks immediately. Regularly test locks to ensure they operate properly.
• Monitor School’s Interior: Perform regular inspections of storage areas, stairwells, server rooms, access to roof, closets, and other vital areas that could be breached. Install surveillance and assign school security guards to monitor the cafeteria, halls, staircases, and other common areas. The presence of school security guards will discourage unwanted behavior and help safeguard those on the property.
• Consider Hiring Private Security Guards: A proven measure for discouraging criminal activity and violence in schools is to hire school security guards. Having a security guard present on school grounds shows students, faculty, and guests that security is a top priority. The presence of a school security guard can greatly deter unwanted behavior and activity that can pose a threat to those on the school campus.
• Secure the Perimeter: The first line of defense for a school is to secure the schools perimeter.  Assign a parking lots for students, visitors, and staff. Issue windshield stickers, for example, for easy identification. Designate zones for student pickup and drop off. Incorporate signs and policies that prohibit unauthorized vehicles in these zones. Monitor the premises 24/7 with surveillance cameras and/or a security guard for added protection.
• Light Exterior of School: Schools can be vulnerable anytime, day or night. Installing programmable, automated lights and motion sensors will improve visibility and help deter criminal activity.
• Monitor Visitor Access: Screen all visitors by implementing school check-in/check-out procedures. Designate one entrance for guests and visitors and keep a log of who comes and goes throughout the day. Issue identification badges for limited visits. Post signs that remind visitors they must check in before accessing the school’s interior. A school security guard can monitor access and escort guests to their location. The security guard will also prevent unauthorized access.
• Badging Staff and Visitors: 
  Safety: Visitor badge systems can help schools monitor visitors, which can help prevent safety concerns like child abduction, violence, and unscheduled visitors.

  Security: Visitor badge systems can help enhance security for staff and customers.

  Check-in:  Color-coded badge printing can help create a more efficient check-in experience.

  Identification: Visitor badge systems can help staff and faculty easily identify visitors and their reason for visiting.
• Consider Risk Assessment: Some security companies, such as Frontier Security Guard & Patrol Denver, offer free risk assessments. Conducting a risk assessment will help implement a security plan and procedures that will improve overall school security. This protects the school’s occupants from violent activity, robberies, bullying, theft, and other criminal threats that can comprise safety.
• Secure the Classroom: All classroom doors should have automatic locking systems that lock from the inside. This will enhance protection for students and teachers. Windows in the classroom should include covers that block out visibility, which will also safeguard the class. Organize desks to allow for quick emergency exits. Provide security training and procedures for students and teachers. Encourage students to report any suspicious behavior to faculty and security personnel.
• Implement Two-Way Communication: This type of communication system will connect all school staff, administrators, and security personnel, allowing for quick communication relays and responses. Classrooms require a microphone and speaker that connects to the security office, so that emergencies can be reported and responded to quickly. A panic button is also ideal, as this will alert security personnel immediately. Any emergency protocols implemented by your school should be provided to local law enforcement.
• Cyber Safety: School technology is a beneficial teaching today, but with this benefit comes additional security concerns. School personnel must implement and prioritize cyber safety. Doing so can alleviate online bullying and reduce the risk of exposure to unwanted content on the internet.
• Empower Students in School Security:  Students comprise the vast majority “set of eyes” on campus, so educating and engaging them to take an active role is the school’s security and reporting makes sense.  Build student participation into your school security plan as a valued and vital participant.
• Network With other School Resources:  Obviously the internet is a tremendous resource for getting tips on what security measures work well with other schools. Schools can do this at a local level as well. Reach out! 

Security Tips for Students

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to what’s going on around you and who is around you. If you see something suspicious, report it to a trusted adult immediately.
• Trust your gut: If you feel unsafe, go somewhere safe and tell someone you trust.
• Know the safety protocols: Make sure you know what to do in an emergency, such as a fire drill, lockdown, or evacuation.
• Report bullying and harassment: Don’t suffer in silence. If you are being bullied or harassed, tell a teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult.
• Use technology responsibly: Don’t share personal information online or on social media. Be careful about what you post and who you communicate with.
• Be a Leader: Students should lead by example and help build a positive school culture. Be kind, courteous, and engaging with fellow students. If you witness something suspicious or potentially dangerous, don’t be afraid to report it to school administration.

Security Tips for Parents and Guardians

• Talk to your kids about school safety: Make sure your kids know the importance of being aware of their surroundings, reporting suspicious activity, and knowing what to do in an emergency.
• Get involved in your child’s school: Volunteer your time, attend school board meetings, and stay informed about school safety policies and procedures.
• Advocate for school safety: Support efforts to improve school security measures, such as increased security personnel, improved lighting, and better communication systems.

Additional Security Tips

• Encourage students to report suspicious activity: Let them know that they can report anything that makes them feel unsafe, even if they think it’s minor.
• Have a plan for reunification: In the event of an emergency, make sure you have a plan for how students will be reunited with their parents or guardians.
• Stay informed about current threats: Be aware of current threats to school safety and take steps to mitigate those threats.

By working together, schools, parents, and students can create a safe and secure learning environment for everyone.

School Security Guards in Denver

Following these tips to improve school security can make all the difference when it comes to safeguarding our children and teachers. If you want enhanced security at your Denver area school, Frontier Security Guard & Patrol can help.

Frontier Security Guard & Patrol is a professional Security Guard Company providing comprehensive school security throughout the Denver Metro area. Our school security guards are fully licensed and insured and have extensive experience in military, law enforcement, and security guard services.

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