Page 131 - Security Today, April 2018

ously and full check up on each claim. Never assume that any talk of violence is just an idle threat.
If there is an active shooter on campus, teachers and staff need to let law enforcement officials handle the situation. Police officers have been fully trained on how and when to use their weapons. They have other tactical advantages, as well as trained hostage negotiators avail- able, if necessary.
SHEPARD: I agree that allowing law enforcement to handle the situa- tion is the best route to save lives in the event of an active shooter, but what can be done to ensure that security is a priority on campuses all the time?
FIEL: There are several things I would recommend schools should do rather than giving their teachers and administrators firearms. First, I would recommend implementing a closed-campus policy. All schools must be closed to outsiders until they are cleared to enter through a single controlled entrance. All other doors should remain locked throughout the day.
SHEPARD: Perimeter protection and access control is very important when implementing campus security. I agree that having campuses closed to outsiders is one of the best ways to secure the grounds. Perhaps implementing a great visitor management system, too, could help to keep managing guests organized. What else would you recommend?
FIEL: Campuses should conduct random searches of student lockers and cars, restrooms and stairwells, and other places where a weapon could be hidden. The idea is to keep students off balance and show that a policy of zero tolerance for weapons will be strictly enforced.
Also, it is wise to keep the landscaping trimmed and at a minimum and have campus gardeners check outdoor places where a student might hide a weapons.
SHEPARD: That’s a great point, I feel like sometimes campus admin- istrations are so focused on searching the inside of the school that sometimes they forget to look for suspicious items outside. Do you believe it is in a schools’ best interest to have a student resource officer or police officer on campus to bolster security?
FIEL: Yes, it is definitely in their best interest. School districts should make sure every campus has a police officer, often called a school resource officer, assigned to the facility throughout each school day. In case of a shooting or other acts of violence, a trained first respond- er can initiate action within seconds, not the minutes it takes for a 911 call to be initiated, for police units to be dispatched and then arrive on the scene and approach the suspect. Time is so important in moments like these.
SHEPARD: You are exactly right. Time is so precious, especially when it can be the difference between a small disturbance on campus and a mass shooting. There are so many things that school administration can do to bulk up security, how can campuses be sure they are doing everything possible to keep their students, faculty and staff safe?
FIEL: Complete a risk assessment of the campus, and as a result, prepare an emergency plan to use in a crisis situation. By practicing the plan frequently, teachers and students will know how to react during an emergency and minimize chaos. This also helps keep par- ents informed.
SHEPARD: Keeping parents informed is definitely something cam- puses should strive to do. Allowing parents to have continuing conver- sations about the drills and plans students practice in school could help students understand the importance of the situation. Are there any security products you would recommend to schools who are look- ing to add to their current security?
FIEL: Schools should consider the use of electronic security technol- ogy to help reduce the likelihood of death or injury from a campus gunman. Metal detectors can help spot guns, knives and other weap- ons at the school entry. Video surveillance cameras can create an added layer of security, giving school security officers a better idea of what is happening in and around the campus before, during and after a crisis.
Also, if the video is transmitted over a district network, it is possible to allow law enforcement personnel to view the cameras from their emergency command center and for the responding officers to view this from their vehicles.
SHEPARD: Video surveillance, metal detectors and video manage- ment systems are all excellent security product additions to any school security plan. What would you say are the most important things cam- puses should keep in mind when thinking of security?
FIEL: The main elements to an emergency plan are prevention, pre- paredness, response and recovery. Minimizing injury and property damage in an emergency situation is all about careful, meticulous planning and a great deal of practice. Arming teachers on campus is not going to save lives, but rather complicate the job of keeping people safe.
Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety. Patrick V. Fiel Sr. is the founder of PVF Security Consulting.
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SCHOOL SHOOTINGS IN 2018
At the time of this writing, there have been at least 20 shootings on school campuses. Here are the incidents that have made head- lines thus far.
ITALY HIGH SCHOOL
On Jan. 22, a 16-year-old male was taken into custody after shooting a 15-year-old girl with a semi-automatic handgun in Italy, Texas.
MARSHALL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
On Jan. 23, a 16-year-old male opened fire in an open area of campus killing two students and injuring 18 more with a semi- automatic firearm in Benton, Kentucky.
SALVADOR B. CASTRO MIDDLE SCHOOL
On Feb. 1, a female student “unintentionally” fired a round into a classroom when she dropped her backpack which contained a loaded semi-automatic weapon in Los Angeles, California.
MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS HIGH SCHOOL
On Feb. 14, a 19-year-old ex-student opened fire into classrooms in the Freshman Building, killing 17 people and injuring a dozen more in Parkland, Florida.
CAMPUS SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY