January 7, 2002—The International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) encourages national leaders to include funding and operational support for K-12 schools to be a part of national terrorism preparedness planning initiatives.
“While we do not want to be alarmist, it is not unforeseeable that schools could be a potential target of terrorism,” according to Kenneth S. Trump, IAPSC member and an internationally recognized school security expert. “I suspect that domestic extremists would present a greater potential threat to schools than international terrorists, but neither should be excluded from the realm of possibilities since our children are our greatest assets,” he added.
“Even though schools are not likely on the Middle-Eastern terrorists target list, school administrators must recognize that domestic criminals may use the present national situation to further their objectives,” Bruce A. Canal, CPP, security expert and member of the IAPSC stated. “Most parents have come to accept proactive security measures in their workplace, and now more than ever, they (parents and visitors) must embrace those same security measures in their childs school,” Canal added.
Security professionals can assist educators in reducing safety risks and preparing for crisis situations, according to the IAPSC. Security experts must be cognizant of biological terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, while also not foregoing these new threats for the threats that have plagued schools for many years. Strategies can include:
- Conducting security assessments to identify potential threats and appropriate risk reduction measures specifically geared to K-12 school settings
- Enhancing physical security strategies related to perimeter security, access control, communications capabilities, and associated measures
- Developing and testing crisis plans for managing incidents involving bombs and bomb threats, lockdowns, evacuations, crisis communications, dealing with disgruntled parents and employees, etc.
- Creating guidelines for biological and chemical agent threats
- Identifying security staffing needs, assignments, policies and procedures, and relationships with other safety personnel such as school resource officers and school administrators
- Coordinating school safety plans with police, fire, emergency medical, emergency management agencies, and other public safety officials
- Identifying counseling and mental health resources
- Providing crime prevention, security, and crisis preparedness training
- Testing and exercising crisis guidelines
- Developing techniques for effectively communicating school safety issues to members of the school community
For more information on school safety issues related to terrorism, anthrax, and heightened security awareness, visit IAPSC or the School Security Web site.
