“All the advanced safety solutions available today are certainly impressive and effective, yet schools have to be properly funded for acquisition and implementation, as well as trained for operating in emergency conditions.”

– Chuck Wilson, PASS Board Chairman

Thanks to the Students, Teachers, and Officers Preventing School Violence (STOP School Violence) Act of 2018, the COPS Office’s School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) continues to offer grants to bolster security measures in K-12 schools to enhance the safety of educational environments. One of our valued community partners, the nonprofit Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, facilitates proven security practices for K-12 settings, guided by a multidisciplinary team of experts in education and public safety. Its PASS Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools is one of the country’s most comprehensive guides to help administrators effectively evaluate their current security infrastructure, prioritize investments, and leverage available resources to maximize school safety and security.

“We are so grateful for the incredible partnership with COPS and the SVPP grants,” says Chuck Wilson, PASS Board Chairman. “Organizations use the PASS Guidelines to make informed decisions on security investments—our role is to provide the roadmap of where to start and where to go, and COPS Office funds are crucial in getting them there.”

The free downloadable guide, which is routinely updated to contend with the evolving landscape of security threats, addresses the following:

• Targeted actions to enhance the foundational level of security
• Evidence-based security practices tailored for K-12 settings
• Objective, reliable information on available safety and security technology
• Evaluation of existing security measures against national best practices
• Multiple solutions identified to meet specific security need
• Guidance on differentiating essential, effective solutions from sales pitches for unnecessary products

Structure of the PASS Guidelines

The PASS Guidelines identify five key physical layers that schools can implement to effectively prevent, detect, delay, and respond to potential threats: (1) District-Wide Readiness, (2) Property Perimeter, (3) Parking Lot Perimeter, (4) Building Perimeter, and (5) Classroom/Interior Perimeter. These recommendations are further divided into tiers to help schools identify tailored security measures based on their specific needs and budgets:

• Tier 1: Baseline Practices and Obligations. This foundational tier includes essential security practices suitable for all schools, regardless of their financial resources or risk levels. Key elements include establishing a school safety plan, performing security assessments, and conducting training for staff and students.
• Tier 2: Enhanced Practices. Schools can further bolster their security posture using practices in this tier, such as installing security cameras, access control systems, and perimeter fencing.
• Tier 3: Comprehensive Practices. More comprehensive practices involve the formation of security teams, using technology for threat monitoring and response, and performing regular security drills.
• Tier 4: Specialized Practices. This tier encompasses advanced security measures, including canine patrols, metal detectors, and armed security personnel. While not every school will need these practices, they are vital for institutions with unique security challenges. Many schools will not be able to implement Tier 4 measures and may not have a need to do so.

Each best practice recommendation presented in the guide corresponds to one of these tiers within a layer or across multiple layers. By following these guidelines, schools can assess their risk levels, identify security priorities, and develop customized security plans to create safer learning environments.

Recommended Uses

The PASS Guidelines offer multiple applications for school administrators and other officials:

• Support Risk Assessment and Security Planning. The PASS Guidelines serve as a foundational tool for school officials, consultants, and solution providers to conduct objective analyses of security needs. By integrating these guidelines into the risk assessment process, schools can prioritize their security requirements and develop comprehensive security plans. The guidelines help identify a school or district’s tier levels, providing a clear framework for communicating security status to stakeholders, including school board members and parents. This communication is crucial for garnering support and funding to enhance security measures.
• Grant Proposal Development. Significant federal and state funding, including SVPP grants, is available for security improvements. The PASS Guidelines offer a structured approach for schools to identify critical needs and cost-effective solutions. By aligning their grant proposals with these best practices, schools can strengthen their applications and justify the need for financial support.
• Establishing Safety and Security Standards. Unlike fire safety regulations, which have long been codified, institutions often lack formal requirements for security best practices. The PASS Guidelines can help establish baseline standards for school security, guiding policymakers in developing effective safety measures. Several states are already using these guidelines to enhance their security policies, ensuring that schools are better protected against potential threats.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls. The guidelines also assist administrators and providers in demonstrating the effective use of technology and resources to meet specific security objectives. By following the PASS recommendations, schools can avoid common pitfalls that lead to wasted resources and ensure that their security investments are used effectively.

Download your free copy of the PASS Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools or learn more about the School Violence Prevention Program grant program.

Ken Cook
PASS Advisory Board

Images courtesy of Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS).

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