Tragic events at various educational institutions around the United States have placed educational security at the forefront for leaders in America's schools and institutes of higher learning. Many schools seek effective school security solutions to protect students and staff.

If you're looking to improve school safety measures on your campus, consider the following important factors related to school safety:

1. School security assessments guide schools through the process of improving campus security.

2. Security systems for schools are often funded using school security grants.

3. Many schools hire school security guards to add an extra security presence to their campuses.

4. The use of identification cards for students and staff is an integral part of the school security solution.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Conduct a school security safety assessment

It's imperative to evaluate your school's security strengths and weaknesses. Some schools complete their own school security assessments. Other schools opt to hire an independent entity to conduct the assessment.

I recommend: Complete a self-evaluation of your school's safety using the School Safety Assessment Protocol offered by SEDL. For a more objective opinion, contact National School Safety and Security Services. They'll evaluate various aspects of your schools security, such as physical security, internal security, emergency preparedness and professional development.

Hire school security guards

Some schools have local police officers stationed within the building; however, if your school doesn't have a police presence, consider hiring a school security guard. If your campus is large, it may be cost effective to establish your own security force on campus.

I recommend: If you run an institution of higher learning, contact U.S. Security Associates. This company offers security guard services competent in areas, such as crowd control, fire safety, emergency response, evacuation and student housing. Aegis is another company that offers security guard services. Their guards handle bomb threats, crowds, CCTV monitoring, evacuations and other emergencies.

Identify school security systems

Enhance security at your school by utilizing security systems, such as identification cards, video systems and intrusion detection systems.

I recommend: Contact Sonitrol, a company which specializes in providing businesses with state-of-the-art security systems. They offer audio detection, digital video surveillance and fire detection. Evaluate the identification card systems offered by IDenticard. They provide a wide range of identification systems, including biometrics.

Obtain grants for school security

As school district budgets are cut, it becomes increasingly difficult to fund various services, including school security. One way to offset the cost of school security systems is to apply for and obtain grants.

I recommend: Start your search for grants at the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. You'll find grant applications and deadlines for filing at this site. While working on your grant, follow the 5 Easy Steps for Grant Submission offered by the Grants Office.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attend school security conferences offered by your state's associations of school boards and administrators.