Administration of Security and Safety in the Schools

Abstract

Providing for the safety and security of the physical plant and the students and the staff of the schools in the United States has traditionally been the responsibility of school administrators, with the assistance of the teachers and other personnel.

There has always been some need to develop plans for responding to student conflicts, bullying, destruction of school property, violence, and other problems requiring action. These matters were traditionally handled internally.

However, the increases in violence within many schools and the threats to the safety and security, such as bombings and shootings, often coming from outside the school grounds, have resulted in the seeking of private and public security forces to provide the needed protection, As a result, school administrators, in cooperation with local public law enforcement and other community agencies, have established such solutions as the School Resources Officer (SRO) Program, in which police offices assist in providing security during school hours as well as at sporting and social events.

In the United States, every child is entitled to have an opportunity to obtain an education. Thus, the administration of every juvenile facility, including short-term facilities such as detention centers, long-term correctional facilities, and community-based facilities such as group homes, must provide opportunities for the residents to be educated. Some juvenile correctional facilities operate fully accredited schools within the facility.