The easiest way to think about school safety is in two parts – Safe People or School Climate and safe structures or Target Hardening. They are both important and they are both necessary. Safe People/school climate prevents targeted violence. Safe structures prevent casualties. Neither are very effective on their own.
It is important to keep in mind that statistically, most schools are still safe places for students.
Safe People (School Climate)
Social safeguards. This is “feeling safe” at school based on behavior, the social environment, clear expectations and appropriate discipline. The same standards of conduct apply to everyone, students, staff, parents, guardians, vendors and other visitors.
Safe People are treat students with dignity and respect, regardless of any differences. This promotes a sense of belonging to the school, connection to students and staff and adds to the character of the school.
Safe Structures (Target Hardening)
Structural safeguards. Gates, locks, ID’s, curb ramps, accessible walkways, automatic doors, parking lots and landscape. This is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).
Any changes or modifications made to school structures for target hardening or CPTED must accommodate the needs of all students. For example, if the school is only allowing one point of entry on campus, it has to be an automatic and the doorway has to be wide enough for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.