Sharing Ideas and Resources to Keep Our Nation's Schools Safe (Volume II)

• NCJ Number: 247844
• Date Published: August 2014
• Length: 78 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2014-IJ-CX-K404
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Program/Project Description
• Award: A proposal to operate the National Criminal Justice Technology Resource Center.

Annotation

This second edition describes school safety programs promoted by various Federal agencies, such as the FBI and the U.S. Department of Education, efforts at the State level, and cooperative efforts in local communities.

Abstract

Twenty programs throughout the Nation that focus on school safety are profiled. The Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) has been added to Texas State University's training package for law enforcement officers. The 1-day classroom-based training teaches law enforcement officers how to present strategies and guidance for surviving an active shooter event. It is expected that law enforcement agencies will use this training to instruct local school staff in how to improve school safety in situations that involve an active shooter. In another school safety program, the School Safety Advocacy Council increased its emphasis on school safety assessments in 2013, helping schools focus on their strengths, not weaknesses. A third program involves the work of the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). It provides training and other resources to assist school resource officers (SROs) perform all of their responsibilities better. A fourth program involves the FBI's promotion of a partnership approach to planning for active shooter incidents. It offers extensive resources related to handling active shooter incidents on its website. Other school safety programs described include a holistic anti-bullying approach, a free tip line accessible by student cell phones, the development of community-based partnerships that facilitate communication regarding school safety needs and emergencies, free training for parents regarding their role in enhancing school safety, an app that promotes partnerships with campus police, and a Wisconsin program that is the first in the Nation to develop a security drill for school sporting events.