Continue moving forward: Safety and Security Audits
by Ashley Purcella
Now that the safety and security audits are completed, districts may be thinking, “Where do we go from here?” The simple answer to that question is, this is just the beginning. The audit program is an ongoing process that needs your time and attention. The documents provide your initial evaluation, and now the task is to keep them relevant and up-to-date.
The security audit was created to assist districts in keeping the school community safe and productive. The audit will continue to be conducted every three years, and for some school districts it will take three years to survey all facilities. Districts should use the audit as a working tool to investigate the security of their facilities and locate areas of concern. Once these areas are discovered, the district can make a plan to correct the issues found. Whether it is a short term or long term goal, it will be beneficial to the district to show the community that the district is proactive in creating a safe and secure environment.
A few guidelines that will help you stay on top of the audit:
- Have monthly meetings with the safety committee to review findings
- Set reasonable goals
- Get everyone involved (have everyone, including students, look for ways to improve safety and security)
- Create awards for the most innovative idea (this could be done, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually)
- Conduct round table discussions (this will also count as a drill)
These are just a few guidelines to help your district stay active and up-to-date with the safety and security audit. Remember the audit is a living document and should be reviewed and updated regularly. By keeping up-to-date with the audit mandate your district will have less stress towards the deadline, and the process will eventually become second nature to everyone involved.
For more information regarding your safety and security audit, please contact your Loss Prevention Consultant at 800.482.7276. The Texas School Safety Center also hosts audit resources at: http://cscs.txstate.edu/txssc/txssc-safety-audits.htm.
