Page 28 - Campus Security & Life Safety, May/June 2019

"Creating and implementing a security program has many moving parts and
Irequiresateamapproach."
ndividual schools and districts are always seeking ways to increase their security posture while not losing what makes them uniquely qualified, as edu- cational institutions, to create an envi-
ronment where learning is invoked through programs, curriculum, and even the design and architecture itself. This includes imple- menting security policies and procedures, designing buildings in a way that has securi- ty in mind, proper training, and by exploring how technology could help with their overall security goals. Another important aspect of the overall security program is the staffing of personnel responsible for different aspects of a school’s security. This may include school resource officers or volunteers such as ex-law enforcement or military veterans.
What is a School Resource Officer?
A school resource officer (SRO) is a sworn law enforcement officer responsible for safe- ty and crime prevention in schools, as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice. Regulations dictate the experience and train- ing that these individuals need, which go beyond a traditional officer’s toolkit. Though, like a traditional officer, they have the ability to make arrests, respond to calls for service, and document incidents, they are also men- tors, counselors, and educators, as outlined by the National Association of School Resource Officers. SROs are in most cases paid positions.
What is a Security Volunteer?
A security volunteer could be anyone else that a school deems adequate as a responsi- ble party for different security related tasks on a campus. They are not required to be sworn law enforcement officers and typically aren’t. Therefore, they also do not have the ability to make arrests or respond to service calls. Their responsibilities depend on what the school assigns to their role, but could range from watching entrances, patrolling the campus, and signing-in visitors to moni- toring cameras and calling first responders during an incident. A security volunteer could be a paid or unpaid position, though it is often the latter.
Which Role Should You Implement?
There is no right or wrong choice when deciding what security staffing role to intro- duce to your school. These individuals address different aspects of your security
By Michael Niola
Implementing Security Staffing for Schools
School resource officers or volunteers
security staffing
program and could come with different skill- sets. These roles could also entirely comple- ment one another. The question is more about which resource could realistically be attained most quickly and efficiently given your current resources. For example, schools with existing relationships and programs with local law enforcement may more easily find a route to implementing a school resource officer; while schools in a commu- nity with a very involved and hands-on par- ent pool, but without funding available, may find that attaining a security volunteer would be an easier first step.
Important Items to Note
Hiring Veterans as School Security. In response to an increase in gun-related school incidents, a recent trend has emerged. More schools are looking towards bringing on ex- law enforcement or military veterans as secu- rity personnel on their campuses. This is typi- cally being done through volunteer services which are not closely regulated.
Though the inclination to consider their backgrounds as unique qualifiers for the role may seem like an obvious connection to make, there are some important items to consider while making this decision. The training military and law enforcement veter- ans receive does give them key skills in secu- rity assessment, planning, and response. However, they have been trained to imple- ment this in a much different environment than they will find in a school campus.
School Specific Training Is Needed. Addi- tional training should be given in order to allow them to best translate those skills to school environments dealing with young stu- dents, particularly if they will be in K-12 schools. Training should augment their cur- rent skills to prepare them for the mentor and counseling roles that they may also be expect- ed to undertake. Another key aspect that is often added is additional de-escalation train- ing, learning how to arrive at a scene with stu-
dents and properly de-escalate the situation, considering that sometimes having a law enforcement figure sprinting to a situation with improper body language could heighten tensions and have an adverse effect.
Even SROs, whom obtain school environ- ment specific training, could benefit from additional training that is tailored for your campus and school community. You should consider creating a training program that allows them to learn from your counselors and staff so they can better integrate with your school. They should learn about specific con- cerns, risks, and procedures you have in place which they have to enforce or even help improve. This would allow them to better understand your environment and most effi- ciently provide positive effects.
Funding. Whatever the decision is for implementing an SRO, security volunteer, or both, schools have to consider their funding resources to add this additional role. SRO’s are typically paid at the rate of a police detec- tive which is often higher than the average teacher’s or school counselor’s salary. This cost has traditionally been covered by the school district, however, some law enforce- ment agencies have created programs with schools to share in the responsibility of this cost. Additionally, state and federal grants are available to assist with these costs as well. For example, the U.S. Department of Justice’s COPS (Community Oriented Policing Solu- tions) office has provided over $14 billion in grants since their establishment in 1994 and continues to fund grants on a yearly basis.
The addition of security staff on your cam- puses is a great way to increase your security readiness, but make sure you’re putting your best foot forward by knowing the difference between an SRO and a security volunteer, and ensuring proper training is given to all individuals.
Michael Niola, CTS, is the Associate Princi- pal of Vantage Technology Consulting Group.
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campuslifesecurity.com | MAY/JUNE 2019