Page 69 - Security Today, March/April 2023

"We need to think about how we’re empowering people in our schools to respond to different emergencies. Whether it’s a student, teacher, or custodian, they’re often the first to pick up on potential trouble and alert others. They just need to be empowered to take appropriate action."
— Guy Grace, Chair of the Advisory Board for PASS
By Ron Baer
the guidelines have been recognized by poli- cymakers and subject matter experts at both the state and federal levels.
What the PASS Guidelines Include
The guidelines cover topics ranging from risk assessment and strategies for formulating a comprehensive plan (including how to best assemble a security planning team) to safety and security components, technological solu- tions, and much more. To get the complete picture of all the PASS Guidelines have to offer, you’ll want to visit the PASS website. But here are highlights of the critical information they provide:
• Specific actions that can effectively raise the baseline of security
• Vetted security practices specific to K–12 environments
• Objective, reliable information on available safety and security technology
• Assessment of current security measures against nationwide best practices
• Multiple options for addressing security needs identified, based on available resources
• How to distinguish needed and effective solutions from sales pitches on unneces- sary products
While technologies are an important com- ponent within the guidelines—and a force multiplier for K–12 security—people are the force. “We need to think about how we’re empowering people in our schools to respond to different emergencies,” said Guy Grace, Chair of the Advisory Board for PASS and former Director of Security and Emer- gency Planning for Littleton Public Schools. “Whether it’s a student, teacher, or custodi- an, they’re often the first to pick up on poten- tial trouble and alert others. They just need to be empowered to take appropriate action.”
That’s why it’s critical to engage all stake- holders during the rollout of new security technologies to ensure end users understand the rationale and are equipped and allowed to use them effectively. Grace should know, hav- ing been on scene as the command coordina- tor during the active shooter event at Arapa- hoe High School in 2013.
Grace cites how he and his team had the presence of mind to use the full capabilities
MARCH/APRIL 2023 | campuslifesecurity.com 9