Page 78 - Security Today, September/October 2023

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SECURITY LOCKDOWN STRATEGIES: UNIQUE FOR K–12 AND HIGHER EDUCATION AUTHORS JEREMY SALINE (TOP LEFT) IS THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND RON BAER (BOTTOM LEFT) THE DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (K–12), BOTH WITH ASSA ABLOY OPENING SOLUTIONS IMAGES LEFT TO RIGHT: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES; SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ VECTORFUSIONART L ockdown strategies play a critical role in ensuring the safety, se- curity, and wellness of students, faculty, and staff in every school setting. But what’s needed for K–12 learning environments is distinct from the world of higher education. Most elementary, middle, and high schools have a much smaller and more contained footprint than expansive, open college campuses. K–12 students are still in the process of growing physically and emotionally and need more defined guidelines, drills, and supervision on what to do in the face of danger. Trade-school, community-college, and university students, on the other hand, have typically reached a level of maturity and a greater understanding of protocols to respond more instinctively and confidently to potential threats. No matter where they are on the education continuum, all students need reassurance that measures are in place to help pro- tect their safety, security, and wellness. All three are essential and interrelated. Safety focuses on freedom from injury and danger, security helps ensure freedom from a crime or attack, and well- ness is about freedom from exposure and fear. In K–12 settings, security consultants and first responders have frequently recommended evacuating occupants as a top priority during an active assailant event. The belief is that the farther away from danger, the better chance for survival—similar to fire proto- cols. But events like nearby police activity, hostage situations, riots, or an active shooter somewhere on campus can also be analogous to a hurricane emergency, where it’s safer for students and staff to be locked safely inside and shelter in place. Opinions about which is more appropriate and inherent conflicts between safety, security, and wellness mean district and school leaders need the broadest integrated solution choices— and the most diverse stakeholder involvement—to make the best 18