Preventing School Violence

1. Preventing School Violence IASBO Educational Support Professionals’ Conference 12/01/06 Ó 2001 RETA Security, Inc. Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

2. Presenter Background • Physical Security Professional (PSP) • VAM – Certified (SNL) • SCAT Member (NOVA) • Illinois Terrorism Task Force (ITTF) Member • Assessments, Policy Development, Training, Expert Witness • paul@retasecurity.com Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

3. Asset Definition • People – students, staff, visitors • Places – buildings and grounds • Things – equipment, records, positive climate Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

4. Asset Locations FACILITY GROUNDS PARKING OFF-SITE Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

5. Threat Description Disgruntled Persons - Individuals who engage in vindictive, violent, or malicious acts at or directed against the place of enrollment. Gangs - 3+ persons committed to a common purpose who have definitive rituals, symbols, vocabulary, dress and organizational structures. They often have common ethnic, socioeconomic backgrounds with territorial interests and deal in crime, drug trafficking and violence. (H) Criminals - Persons who conspire to perpetrate criminal acts for profit or economic gain. Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

6. Threat Description Psychotic - A person suffering from mental disorder who experiences periodic or prolonged loss of contact with reality. (H/S) Domestic Terrorists - A group or individual who commits violent acts out of opposition to government programs for ecological, political, economic, or other reasons. (H/S ) Bullying - One or more persons who engage in teasing, taunting, threatening, hitting, and/or socially isolating a student through intentional exclusion. Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

7. Adversary Tactics • Tactics that can be used are: • Force: physical power exerted against a person or thing • Deceit: representing as true what is known to be false • Stealth: artfully sly action Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

8. Security Committee Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

9. Security Assessments Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

10. Red Lake H.S. Lessons • Event Details • Design Issues • Delay Issues • Response Issues • Crisis Management Issues Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

11. Security Policies • Closed Campus Policy - requires exterior doors to be closed and locked when the facility is occupied. Visitors must enter through the main entrance and sign-in at the main office. • Lock Down Policy - identifies areas inside the building, such as classrooms, that can serve as “safe havens” or shelters should a dangerous situation (i.e. an incident involving an intruder) arise. Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

12. Operating Profile 12 6 8 3 10 12 Operations: Normal Operations Facility Open Facility Closed Assessment Topics: Management Building Security Crisis Management Violence Prevention Staff Training Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

13. Building Security Elements Deterrence: training, briefings, awareness, testing, lighting, signage, fencing, prevention programs Detection: alarm system, CCTV, duress button, entry control, contraband detector, personnel Delay: locks, doors, glazing Communication: radio, wireless, intercom, PA* Response: security personnel, law enforcement *PA systems should have battery backup. Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

14. Assessing Staff Training Hi. How can I help you? • Visitor Management • Personal Safety • Conflict Resolution (anxiety, defiance, acting out) Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

15. Emergency Preparedness • Bomb Threats & Suspicious Packages • Crisis Flipcharts • Emergency Supplies • Drills & Exercises Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

16. Security Resources • ncpc.org/besafe • 911 Responders • Wireless Carriers • ed.gov/emergencyplan • www.isp.state.il.us/sor/ • isbe.net/sos/htmls/safe_at_school.htm • mhai.org/programs/disaster_services.htm • Tip Lines (800-477-0024, 866-SPEAKUP) Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.

17. How Can You Make Your School Safer? Ó 2001 RETA Security, Inc. Ó 2006 RETA Security, Inc.