The emphasis on school security isn’t going away anytime soon. And growing interest in the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS K-12) initiative is proof.
A year ago, we launched the latest version (the fourth edition) of the PASS K-12 Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools.
To help schools keep up with ever-changing risks and technologies while avoiding potential security challenges and pitfalls, the fourth edition of the guidelines provides:
- Specific actions to effectively raise security baselines
- Suggestions on how to vet security practices specific to K-12 environments
- Objective, reliable information on safety and security technology
- An assessment of current security measures against nationwide best practices
- Multiple options for addressing security needs
But, as with all things, school security is changing – which means our guidelines and recommendations must change, too.
Work on the fifth edition of the Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools has begun – and we expect to release it in 2020. Although we won’t be making any major structural changes, we will examine the tiers in place and revise placement for technology and considerations such as:
- Facial recognition
- Mobile apps
- Connectivity to first-responder communications
- Digital signage integration
- Connectivity to mass messaging
We’ll also get into more detail about K-12 sports venues, busses, non-code-compliant ancillary products, and wearable duress alarms.
Earlier this year, PASS K-12 also created a fillable PDF version of its School Safety and Security Checklist. You can now download the free, 15-page document and record assessment details for your education clients as you track their progress in following PASS K-12 guidelines within these levels:
- District-wide layer
- Property perimeter layer
- Parking lot perimeter layer
- Building perimeter layer
- Classroom/interior perimeter layer
In addition to helping schools protect students and staff, we’re also seeing PASS K-12 generate new leads for NSCA members. As word spreads about the initiative, K-12 districts often find us online and reach out.
Based upon their questions or needs, NSCA can the closest integration firm closest to the school district that is also a PASS supporter – and connect the two organizations. PASS supporters will receive training on how to use the guidelines, assist with site visits, find holes in current technology plans, and conduct risk assessments. The integrator then visits the school, evaluates existing technology, and explains the guidelines and how they work. Pretty neat, right?
If you have questions about PASS K-12, send us a note. We’d be glad to answer them or connect you to someone who can!