Properly Trained School Security Guards

Properly Trained School Security Guards

Some school districts choose to include security guards or campus monitors in their overall security plan as an additional layer of security. Additional eyes, ears, hands and able-bodied people are a great asset for any organization that is responsible for the well-being of children. But, do you know if the security guards at your local schools are properly trained?

School security guards typically don’t carry weapons, and sometimes they don’t even wear uniforms. Their main job duty is to keep watch over students and constantly be on the lookout for dangerous situations. Sounds logical and easy enough, but training in some states is a requirement, and probably should be a requirement in all states as it takes specialized knowledge to properly and effectively interact and engage with all students. For example, during a lockdown, effectively communicating with a developmentally-challenged student will differ from the communication used with a child who is not developmentally-challenged.

In California, for example, all school security officers employed with a school district for more than 20 hours per week must complete SB 1626 training, a developed curriculum of 24 hours. During the training, school security officers learn:

  • Their role and responsibilities;
  • Laws and liability;
  • Security awareness specific to an educational environment;
  • Mediation and conflict resolution;
  • Disasters and emergencies; and
  • Dynamics of student behavior.
The training concludes with an exam to demonstrate that the future school security guard has a basic understanding and awareness of security. However, local station KCRA 3 conducted an investigation, revealing that this required training is sometimes over looked. As an example, at Twin Rivers School District, in McClellan Park, CA, KCRA found that almost half of their 22 security officers were working without the required training.

As soon as Twin Rivers School District Police Chief Harvey Woo found out though, the proper steps were taken to correct the situation. But, that isn’t to say that if Twin Rivers wasn’t found to be in non-compliance that the correction would ever take place. This is because no one from the state of California checks for school security guard training compliance. In fact, it doesn’t even require school districts to keep records of their security training, even though it is recommended by the Department of Consumer Affairs. Nonetheless, Twin Rivers School District had their entire staff of guards take the 24-hour course, whether they had previously taken it or not.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities