National standards could help supply schools with a blueprint for security design, as well as procedures and best practices to follow to best protect the lives and health of students and staff.
“Organizations and manufacturers recognize the need to address school security concerns,” Donahue continues. “They have been working to develop nationally recognized testing standards and developing new products to address those test standards. For example, the National Glass Association and ASTM International currently are finalizing the first national standard for addressing glazing and fenestrations for shooter attack applications. NGA recently endorsed the development of the ASTM ‘Forced-Entry-Resistance of Fenestration Systems After Simulated Active Shooter Attack’ test standard. This will provide the minimum industry-accepted standard for security glazing in schools.”
Ultimately, all these measures, strategies and investments are necessary as long as weapons of extraordinary power are readily available to just about anyone, regardless of their record or mental state. While lawmakers and voters argue the merits of those issues and how to deal with them, schools and other public buildings are forced to prepare for the worst.
“If we are not ready to change our concepts about guns, we have no option but to take steps to protect the most vulnerable targets: schools, hospitals, shopping centers and theaters,” Tal says. “This will cost us a lot, and not just in terms of money. Our way of life will change. Every entrance and every day will have us screened in ways similar to airports, government buildings and courts. Sadly, this is the tradeoff we face if we want safety when we go to school, work, to shop or seek entertainment.”
Resources
The following organizations provide resources and information to assist school administrators and building designers in security efforts. Several provide reports and publications that can be helpful to school administrators, and some offer guidance to schools looking for safety assessments and improvements to their security posture.
ASIS INTERNATIONAL
With members in 155 countries, ASIS is an association dedicated to advancing security worldwide, promoting excellence and leadership within the profession.
ASSOCIATION OF THREAT ASSESSMENT PROFESSIONALS (ATAP)
The purpose of ATAP is to afford its members a professional and educational environment to exchange ideas and strategies to address security issues.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS (NASRO)
This non-profit is dedicated to making schools and children safer by providing the highest quality training to school- based law enforcement officers.
NATIONAL SAFETY SECURITY PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NSSPA) This group offers technical resources that schools can reference to address security concerns. Free resources include “School Security Standard Details” and a section about active assailant measures.
PARTNER ALLIANCE FOR SAFER SCHOOLS (PASS)
The mission of PASS is to provide school administrators, school boards, and public safety and security professionals with information, tools and insight needed to implement a tiered approach to securing and enhancing the safety of school environments based on their individual needs, nationwide best practices and making the most effective use of resources available.