Following the aftermath of the mass shooting at a Connecticut elementary school, parents nationwide are nervous about the potential risk of a similar incident in their local schools. In recent years, schools have implemented security and police officers into their school system to deter threats, but are they enough?
The key to school safety is not in the number of individuals providing security, but rather the process of providing security, such as metal detectors, locked doors, restricted access, and other methods.
If you were to go to your child's school today, what access restrictions would you face? Would you walk through metal detectors at the main entrance? Would you be able to walk unnoticed from the unlocked doors to your child's classroom? Would there be a security officer at the door to meet you and direct you to the main office to sign in?
Having worked as a school security officer in the past, I can say it is vital for every school to have someone continuously monitor any unlocked doors into the school, and have only one access into the building (preferably the front entrance). Also, every school should conduct lock-down drills at least twice during the school year to allow all children and staff an opportunity to discuss and learn proper procedures in case of an actual emergency.
The school I worked at did not allow me to monitor the unlocked main doors during the school day. Anyone could walk into the school building unnoticed, walk up to the Administration window, and rapidly shoot several staff members within seconds. To me, this is a disaster waiting to happen. Tighter security measures are needed to make this school safer.
Is your school safe?
....Just a Thought......
