Page 31 - Campus Security & Life Safety, March/April 2022

Characteristics of a Pro-active Patrol Officer
The modern patrol officer is assertive in his or her pursuit of maintaining a safe school environment. School Security Officers should seek to know everyone and everything that is happening within their area. It is a good practice to be nosy. School Security Officers should take and provide ownership of their assigned area. It is important to be a good communicator, as well as treat people with respect, no matter who they are or what they have done.
working security cameras that are pointed at high-risk areas, and ensuring that there are no hidden or blocked points of view will all assist in visibility. It is also a good idea to have alarms clearly posted throughout the building.
Be Systematically Unsystematic
Avoid having a noticeably predictable routine. Give the impression of omnipresence, and find discrete vantage points to make observations.
In Conclusion
Educators, law enforcement, and our communities work together to ensure safe and healthy schools and have a common expectation that a basic level of school security is in place regardless of a school’s size or location. In addition to security staffing, there is an expectation that effective strategies are in place to address the safety and security of students and staff. A proactive approach to violence prevention, the use of evidence-based practices, and clear roles and responsibilities for security personnel are the foundations for an effective program. It is our hope that the information presented here provides the necessary tools, background and knowledge to administer a school’s security program.
Ron Woodruff is the founder of Prepared Schools, an educational services company that provides professional development materials in the areas of school safety and security. He received his Bachelor of Science in Police Science Administration from Washington State University, his teaching credentials from Central Washington University, and his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Central Washington university. He worked in the high-school setting for 18 years until his retirement.
Knowing the Area
An officer’s expert knowledge of the area will allow for recognizing what is normal and what is out of place. Knowledge of the area affords the officer the ability to quickly respond to calls, allowing them to pick the best direction from which to respond, maximizing every tactical advantage.
Public Relations
An officer needs to be able to relate to people of all races and creeds. Being mindful of various traditions, customs, and backgrounds of the school population is crucial to providing adequate service and helps to maintain a positive school climate.
Preventive Patrol
Preventative patrol means seeking out conditions that breed crime in order to deter it from happening. Checking high-crime areas frequently serves as a deterrent to possible threats and violence. By providing a visible presence, officers help to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for all.
A key tool in preventative patrol is making recommendations for safety improvements on campus. Verifying that there are no pockets of darkness throughout the building using proper lighting, installing
MARCH/APRIL 2022 | campuslifesecurity.com 31
Kate Way/Shutterstock.com