(Released 25 May 2017) Wilmington, DE – The Secure Schools Alliance Research and Education (the Alliance) organization has released the second brief in its new toolkit for K-12 learning institutions and law enforcement – Securing Our Schools – entitled, "Partner Roles and Responsibilities for Securing Our Schools."
The Alliance partnered with the Police Foundation to develop a series of issue briefs designed to engage communities in preparing for and responding to school safety issues. This newest brief – released in conjunction with the DomesticPreparedness.com panel discussion ‘Next Responders of the Future’ held at the 9/11 Museum in New York City earlier this week, discusses school preparedness, threats facing schools and the critical roles that all segments of the community have in securing our schools.
“Students can be a first line of defense in protecting their schools,” said Alliance Executive Director Robert Boyd, who participated in the panel discussion. “That’s not to say that they should be expected to fight in any way – instead, they carry a responsibility to communicate unsafe situations in their environments. As parents, school or community leaders, we can help them to understand the importance of ‘see something, say something’ and encourage their participation in safety programs that promote this value. We also want to encourage students to consider professions as first responders and those who support those services.”
Previously, the Alliance released its first brief prepared by the Police Foundation, "Starting the Conversation About School Safety." The last release for the Securing Our Schools toolkit will be: “Secure Schools: Part of Healthy Learning Environment.”
“This partnership has produced an important set of resources for schools, families, youth and communities,” said Chief (ret.) Jim Bueermann, president of the Police Foundation. “Being proactive and prepared within any community, especially in school facilities, is very important to healthy communities.”
Recently, the Alliance released an interactive map of state by state school security policies, resources and legislation and a list of security and safety assessments available for use by schools at no cost.
“We all have a role in keeping our schools are safe, not simply law enforcement and educators, but students, parents, policy makers, businesses, community groups and the media,” said Boyd. “We must all make K-12 security a priority.”
About the Secure Schools Alliance
The Secure Schools Alliance and Secure Schools Research and Education are taking a leadership role in launching a national conversation about the issue of school safety and advocating a course of action for addressing it. This convening of education, industry, public safety, law enforcement, corporate and community leaders will work together to ensure the security of our nation’s schools through federal and state policy, legislation, research, pilot programs and the promotion of best practices. The goal is to improve the security infrastructure, security technology and life safety systems of all public K-12 schools.
About the Police Foundation
The Police Foundation is a national, non-profit, non-partisan organization that, consistent with its commitment to improve policing, has been on the cutting edge of police innovation for over 40 years. The Police Foundation’s work is informed by available evidence and aims to increase public safety and strengthen communities. The professional staff at the Police Foundation works closely with Law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victim advocates, and community based organizations in order to develop research, comprehensive reports, policy briefs, model policies, and innovative programs that will continue to support the work of law enforcement personnel as it relates to increasing strong community-police partnerships.
Contact:
Robert Boyd
Email: rboyd@secureschoolsalliance.org
https://www.secureschoolresources.org
Phone: 302-387-2945