Hardening Soft Targets and Other Measures

[VARIABLE9]

I know there are multiple threads that may touch on some of this, however I thought one consolidated thread might be beneficial.

I had been thinking of some of this over the past few days and then found this article from a website called 'Townhall' - "7 Simple Steps to Eliminate School Shootings Overnight" by Kevin McCullogh. I can not vouch for the site security, I seem to get a lot of popups from it. The article seemed decent enough though.

Highlights from the article:
1. Metal Detectors In Every School
2. Enforce Everything
3. Perform Active Shooter Drills
4. Reinforce Doors, Windows, Buses, Locks
5. Recruit Retired Military & Law Enforcement
6. Arm All Appropriate Personnel
7. Publicize Consequence

I thought the article was decent. #2 might be a challenge, and may be a slippery slope, although I understand the spirit of the writers point.

What are some other measures that could be implemented? Physical security or training, awareness, technology? From my experience in private security I would say that a 'safety & security mindset', diligence to adhere to set protocols, and situational awareness can be worth just as many fancy doohickeys or new initiatives we could all think up here.

In my personal brainstorming I had considered metal detectors (obviously an inconvenience in a school, however as part of a multifaceted security program could mitigate the troubled kids who are 'leaking' their desire to commit violence by showing up with bullets or firearms/parts) and the importance of actually locking doors (kids I have spoken with tell me their schools are hit or miss, or have too many doors to attend to). Also there is training and practice and discussion which are all critical - IME all too often AS training was too negative a topic and the HR types 'did not even want to go there' - schools seem diligent enough to perform these drills however I do not know to the level and urgency Run, Hide, Fight is really discussed.

The last considerations I had were some sort of emergency egress window, think like a schoolbus window that could just be kicked out in extreme emergency. Obviously multi story buildings would need a ladder or fire escape, why not an airline emergency slide?

Hey maybe we could just build a wall around our soft targets?

"The man who stands firm in order to protect a sand-castle can never be relied upon; for he has given away his common sense."
Winston Churchill

[elephant]

when I was in high school (5a) 1997-2001, we had 3 full time police officers.

I know for a fact most school districts can function with just (1) full time police officer for each public school, 1 is better than none. This wouldn't put any financial strain on average cities or counties. You could rotate officers daily or have a dedicated police officer. An average size city has 1 high school, 2 junior high schools, 2 middle schools, 2 elementary schools. That is 7 officers needed and the average city in the US with a population of 25,000 has a police force of 48 officers and 65 total personnel.

Having said that, I do feel in todays time there are needed security measures that should be implemented:
Most schools in Dallas county force you to wear a uniform with a photo id card at all times and your back pack has to be mesh, transparent, or otherwise see through, no purses allowed. Your id card gets you entrance into the school, parking lots for schools are monitored during school hours by 3rd party retired security guards and you have to have a sticker to enter the parking lot. This could be implemented nation wide but I hate the idea of uniforms and see through back packs.

Metal detectors are a great idea but you have to have someone standing there monitoring the operation much like TSA. It could be done but the expense might but a financial burden on smaller school districts. Teachers should have the option to be armed, those who chose to carry should take a minimum of 10 hours of qualification courses and have training on how to act in a situation like a school shooting.

Mandatory that every high school student be involved in some after school program for at least 3 years, JROTC, athletics, band, cheer, dance, choir, sanctioned clubs, etc.- this will help build social skills and make friends and encourage the shy kids from keeping a low profile and feeling like an outcast.

Teachers should have to have mandatory continuing education every 2 years (10 hours)- lawyers, real estate agents, doctors, nurses and CPA's have to , so should teachers- at there own expense. This way our teachers are up to date with the latest material.

Disciplinary actions should be taken against, bullies, trouble makers, disrespect for teachers,and those who break the rules. No more 3 strikes your out but immediate discipline. Schools also need to take action even if an offence (student/student) happens outside of school like on social media or party, this pertains to bullies, fighting, threats, altercations etc.

School personnel should meet with every student at least twice a year for a sit down face to face talk and cover school life, home life, hobbies, interest etc. Just a one on one talk, that lets the students know the school is interested in them. This will also allow school personnel to identify any problems or issues that may need to be addressed. If so, a parent/teacher/student meeting should take place and a game plan should be put in place to assist or help.

[ABNAK]

Access, access, access. Control thereof.

[VARIABLE9]

when I was in high school (5a) 1997-2001, we had 3 full time police officers.

I know for a fact most school districts can function with just (1) full time police officer for each public school, 1 is better than none. This wouldn't put any financial strain on average cities or counties. You could rotate officers daily or have a dedicated police officer. An average size city has 1 high school, 2 junior high schools, 2 middle schools, 2 elementary schools. That is 7 officers needed and the average city in the US with a population of 25,000 has a police force of 48 officers and 65 total personnel.

Having said that, I do feel in todays time there are needed security measures that should be implemented:
Most schools in Dallas county force you to wear a uniform with a photo id card at all times and your back pack has to be mesh, transparent, or otherwise see through, no purses allowed. Your id card gets you entrance into the school, parking lots for schools are monitored during school hours by 3rd party retired security guards and you have to have a sticker to enter the parking lot. This could be implemented nation wide but I hate the idea of uniforms and see through back packs.

Metal detectors are a great idea but you have to have someone standing there monitoring the operation much like TSA. It could be done but the expense might but a financial burden on smaller school districts. Teachers should have the option to be armed, those who chose to carry should take a minimum of 10 hours of qualification courses and have training on how to act in a situation like a school shooting.

Mandatory that every high school student be involved in some after school program for at least 3 years, JROTC, athletics, band, cheer, dance, choir, sanctioned clubs, etc.- this will help build social skills and make friends and encourage the shy kids from keeping a low profile and feeling like an outcast.

Teachers should have to have mandatory continuing education every 2 years (10 hours)- lawyers, real estate agents, doctors, nurses and CPA's have to , so should teachers- at there own expense. This way our teachers are up to date with the latest material.

Disciplinary actions should be taken against, bullies, trouble makers, disrespect for teachers,and those who break the rules. No more 3 strikes your out but immediate discipline. Schools also need to take action even if an offence (student/student) happens outside of school like on social media or party, this pertains to bullies, fighting, threats, altercations etc.

School personnel should meet with every student at least twice a year for a sit down face to face talk and cover school life, home life, hobbies, interest etc. Just a one on one talk, that lets the students know the school is interested in them. This will also allow school personnel to identify any problems or issues that may need to be addressed. If so, a parent/teacher/student meeting should take place and a game plan should be put in place to assist or help.

Thanks for the reply.

I like the common sense approach, it fits in with what I was saying ‘fancy and new’ often isn’t needed if people just adhered to policies or ideas already implemented.

The clear or mesh backpacks is interesting. Even the HS students need to use those? Kids today I see have a lot of big books plus laptops and generally have large/sturdy looking day packs.

Metal detectors and TSA type monitoring is another good idea for many reasons (bear with me), could put Vets to work as well as lowering Unemployment. Control access, limit drugs and contraband. Have an on site response team (or at least dedicated single responder). ‘Educational Safety Program’ (ESP) or Administration (ESA)? ‘School Safety Administration’ (SSA) may not be the best name since we already have the Social Security Administration. Of course we know the TSA has challenges and failures, we would just have to try to learn from past mistakes.

K9 teams?

Local PD outreach during class assemblies, or parent teacher events?

I do like the mandatory activities. In today’s SnapChat, YouTube, and selfie world I think kids need to get out and integrate a bit more.

[VARIABLE9]

Access, access, access. Control thereof.

Absolutely. Multiple AS’s have simply driven up and parked (Parkland took a ****ing Uber and was dropped off) and walked right in. Fits in to what I was saying. Adherence to basic controls, diligence, and a safety and security mindset. Thanks for the reply!

[223to45]

I do like the mandatory activities. In today’s SnapChat, YouTube, and selfie world I think kids need to get out and integrate a bit more.

So you would support Government FORCED expensive after school programs. Of which not everyone can afford.

What happen to FREEDOM??

Suppose you would support TSA style pat downs on every student?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Diamondback]

There is one that Canada gets right on these:
8. Make the offender an Unperson. Never mention name or show face.

[R6436]

There is one that Canada gets right on these:
8. Make the offender an Unperson. Never mention name or show face.

But...but...the Media NEEDS that information! They have a RIGHT of FREEDOM OF THE PRESS! How are they supposed to PROTECT us if they can't give out the information!?

Ok, that was all in sarcasm by the way. I have however heard those things said at my employment (television station) from our newsies. I find it very sad they have no issue limiting the Second and get irritated/confused if you suggest applying the same restrictions onto the First.

As to the OP:

I'm not sure on the metal detectors. I noticed when using civilian airports while in the military there doesn't seem to be a common standard/calibration to metal detectors. Sometimes my dog tags would set them off, sometimes not. Same with belt buckle and the shanks in our boots. Heck, even the dammits in my hat did it once.

I also think it sounds like we'd be making prisons out of our schools. I would suggest a mix of active/passive counter measures. Have the detectors incorporated into the building designs. One SRO on their own isn't going to be as effective as an SRO teamed with concealed carry teachers (only school Admin and SRO knowing who has their CCW). Make it known there are counter measures in place, but don't give specifics or have them all visible. Having a school be a known hard target, but not advertising it, I think would help deter most people.

[Diamondback]

But...but...the Media NEEDS that information! They have a RIGHT of FREEDOM OF THE PRESS! How are they supposed to PROTECT us if they can't give out the information!?

The Treason Media has the right to tongue-clean my ass fresh off a Bowl Blaster From Hell, as far as I'm concerned.

[elephant]

So you would support Government FORCED expensive after school programs. Of which not everyone can afford.

What happen to FREEDOM??

Suppose you would support TSA style pat downs on every student?

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Not all after school programs cost money, some do like cheer, athletics, band etc. But the reason for this is to get each student involved in groups or activities outside of the school. This is actually beneficial that it gets students connected with other students and encourage students to reach out to other students. We don't want students to feel isolated or feel invisible. Allow students to form there own clubs and set meeting times and every club has to present a report of what they do twice a semester.

We don't want TSA pat downs, the last thing we want is for our schools to resemble prisons. Safety is the priority and steps should be taken, I propose photo id cards that allow access, access to school should be restricted during school hours. No admittance without photo id or appointment. All doors locked from outside. No students shall leave during school hours unless emergency. Anyone on school property during school hours are subject to prosecution for trespassing- except for parents.

K9 teams would make students feel that they were at a prison.