Leveraging Security Guards To Keep Schools Safe
In recent years, several high-profile incidents involving school shootings have occurred around the nation and in Texas. These events have justifiably raised concerns about security in public schools. While there’s no single solution to this complex issue, we believe that security guards can play a prominent role as a component to school security.
Let’s face it, police respond to incidents after they occur.
When our kids are involved, we need to have someone there.
Professional security guards can help our society to improve school safety and security. Let’s review the benefits of having security guards on school campuses, their responsibilities, and specific strategies they can employ to promulgate a safe learning environment.
How Security Guards Can Assist With School Safety
Controlling Who Can Come On Campus
Security guards on duty in schools can be charged with monitoring the comings and goings of people on campus. This can be done by making sure that only people with permission are granted access to the school grounds.
Everyone who comes on the property must be accurately identified. We can accomplish this by examining IDs, scanning identification badges, and keeping a record of all guests.
By engaging in security protocols of this nature, active shooter incidents where the gunman comes onto school ground scan be nipped in the bud. These tragic incidents never have to occur.
Conducting Security & Perimeter Patrols
School security guards also conduct regular security patrols of the school campus by monitoring hallways, classrooms, common areas, and ensuring order. Security patrols not only serve as a deterrent to potential threats, but also provide a visible security presence that reassures students and staff.
Responding to Emergency Incidents
Security guards are also required to respond to incidents that occur on the school campus. When incidents like medical emergencies, fights or other disturbances occur, security guards will be there to help. If an incident occurs, security guards can respond quickly to mitigate hazards and restore a safe environment.
Working with Law Enforcement
School security officers are also trained to coordinate with police in the event of an emergency. In emergency situations, sharing information about potential threats, and helping to maintain a secure environment for the children, teachers, and other staff will be their primary duty. If something happens at a school where police are not on duty, security officers can be the first line of defense.
Strategies for Ensuring Safe Schools
Conducting Security Assessments
One of the first steps to improving school security is conducting a security assessment. Conducting a security assessment means evaluating the school’s existing security measures, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and developing a plan to address these weaknesses. Once these issues are identified, we can work with school administrators, the school district, and local law enforcement to develop solutions and an action plan should these vulnerabilities be exploited in the future.
Effective Communication Skills
Effective security guards know that communication is an important part of the job. School security guards must communicate effectively with school administrators, teachers, school staff members, and police. They’ll be responsible for sharing information about potential dangers, participating in response efforts, and ensuring that everyone’s aware of the current security situation.
Challenges School Security Guards Might Face
Navigating School Policies and Regulations
Security guards working in schools will have to understand the state and the school’s security policies. This means understanding school policies regarding the use of force, and coordinating with school administrators to ensure compliance with the law, policies and regulations.
Maintaining a Positive Relationship with Students and Staff
The main job of a school security guard is to keep the place safe. However, security staff should also strive to be approachable and helpful to students, teachers, and staff members. This helps build trust. By developing positive relationships on the campus, students and staff members will feel comfortable reporting security concerns.
Need Solutions to Your Security Concerns?
Contact Enforce Security Services, Inc. Today!
At Enforce Security Services, Inc., we value our children and understand the importance of keeping our schools safe. Our trained security guards are committed to providing a safe and secure educational environment for our kids. We provide armed guard services in Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio.
If you’re looking for security guard services for a school or other type of business, feel free to contact us. Either call us or send us a message using the form on our contact page. We’d be happy to discuss your security needs and develop a customized security plan that meets your specific requirements.
