Improving Security in Public Schools - Article Example

Security in Public Schools Summary Security in public schools has been a thorny issue that is faced with drawbacks on several circumstances. The nature and levels of insecurity changes at a faster rate than new security measures and policies are being designed. This implies that security in schools should undergo frequent reviews and subsequent changes where necessary. Alternative policies that aim at strengthening security in schools can go a long way in reducing crime scenes in schools. Problem statement The need to enhance security in schools has been prompted by many incidences of school children disappearance, shootings and suicide among students. The latest case is the disappearance of an autistic child, Avonte Oquendo, who disappeared from his school without the knowledge of his teachers. His remains were later found by the riverside in New York. The incidence raised concerns about the security flaws in schools. It is important that all stakeholders, who include the government, political leaders and the community, take part in addressing the issue. Evaluation criteria The main criteria used to drive effective alternative policies were based on the interest of the child. The interest of the child surpassed all barriers that could bar the security policies. Security is social essential that all people, including leaders agree to. The goodness of the policy will be determined by its ability to mitigate insecurity after implementation Security in schools can be enhanced through implementation of several alternative policies. The situation cannot be left as it is. Alternative policies to address security in schools The alternatives are implemented in the schools. The discussed alternatives affect the physical structure of the school to make it more secure. The proposed policies include; 1. Security personnel and teachers should be compelled to take responsibility of preventable threats A policy should be developed where security personnel who are lax in their job suffer the consequences. Most cases in schools involve children and thus are preventable. For example, in the case of Avonte Oquendo, it has been reported that he slid past a school security guard who did not attempt to stop him after he failed to respond. This shows the laxity that school security guards have in fulfilling their mandate. If security guards are taken to task to explain such incidences, there will be increased security in schools. The alternative is economically viable and practical. It just implies adding the scale of responsibilities on security officers. However, the contract terms have to be revised to realistic levels. Consequently, the move is politically sound since it is the duty of leaders to assure parents of security of their children while in school. Despite the benefits of the policy alternative, there are some incidences that overpower teachers and security guards. Such an incidence is manifested in the case of Avonte Oquendo where a guard was tasked with manning the reception and at the same time ensuring security in school. Thus, the officers may not be able to cover all cases of indiscipline in school. Consequently, security personnel may face a hard task and risk when dealing with armed incidences. As such, they cannot be held responsible for injuries, and or deaths. 2. Mounting security cameras all around the schools Mounting surveillance cameras in schools cannot help to prevent students urge to disappear or engage in indiscipline. However, the cameras are instrumental in showing the direction which a disappearing student used as applied in airports and other terminals (Morrison 2007). This can aid in the search in case the disappearance becomes a community concern. For example, In the case of Avonte Oquendo, surveillance cameras could have shown the direction that he took after exiting through the door. A rough idea of the direction that he followed could have aided in the search since the police and the public would have narrowed the search area, which would have increased the probability of him being found alive. Installation of a surveillance camera costs $500-$1000. However, high resolution outside cameras can cost up to $8000 per piece. The cost is relatively high if all schools were to have high resolution camera installations. However, the cost benefit ratio dictates the policy adoption. The social benefits (security) are much higher than the cost associated with installation of the gadgets. Furthermore, the cameras require little or no maintenance cost one they are installed. The policy is politically correct. Despite the fact that costs may be higher, which might attract opposition, the social benefit in term of security for school children is of uttermost importance. Any leader who relies on public support must support policies that aim at increasing society’s well-being. Costs of installation are the major drawback for this policy. 3. Installation of automatic doors and emergency response procedures Disappearances among school children are associated with the ease at which they open school doors. Automatic doors ensure that only authorized person can enter or exit a building (Coon 2007. If Queens School had automatic door system,Avonte would not have been able to get out of school and disappear. An automatic door puts less strain on security personnel manning both the door and security. Since the door allows only authorized persons, any unauthorized person must consult the security officers to have the door opened. The average cost of installing an automatic door system can be as high as $10000. This implies a very high cost to the government if all schools were to be fitted with such doors. However, the door is a worthy investment that warrants support from all quarters who regard security of children as a high priority. Thus, most politicians would support the decisions based on social benefits. However, capitalists would decry the high costs. The main disadvantages of the policy are that automatic doors are prone to technical failures and thus may lock in or lock out students. Consequently, the doors may not be effective in emergencies such as fire. Automatic locking may lead to high casualty levels. 4. Creation of special sections for students with mental and development disabilities From the testimonies of the security guard in Queens School, she did not know that Avonte was autistic (Latinonews n.d). She obviously would have stopped him if she knew his condition. A policy can be derived from this situation; that schools create separate sections for students with developmental and mental disorders. In thus regard, teachers and other involved parties can protect the children and monitor their movements. The policy would definitely receive support from the community that would compel lawmakers to adjust the security policies. Creation of special departments in schools would not be a costly venture. It would entail segmentation of existing structures. New structures may be constructed in a situation where separation is not possible. Despite the fact that this may be regarded as discrimination, it would be in the interest of the children. In a mixed setup, teacher and other school staff are unable to identify the students with special needs thus customized services are rare. This was the reason the teacher and a security guard were unable to stop Avonte from getting out of school. The main hindrance to this policy would come from human rights groups. The constitution guarantees equal treatment for all, regardless of their physical or mental status. However, the policy does not advocate for discrimination in education; the interest is security, other educational aspects remain intact. Conclusion The society cannot continue to witness preventable cases of insecurity in schools. It is the work of the government, specifically the department of education to implement policies such as the ones discussed to tame the situation. The alternative policy formulated ensures that Safety of the children should be the utmost goal of the governed in schools. Although some polices, such as security cameras and automatic doors are expensive, they are self-sustaining or require less attention If implemented, the alternative policies can be gauged by the margin at which the rate of insecurity drops in schools. This can be measured in terms of reported cases, both to the school administration and to the police. References Coon, J. K. (2007). Security technology in U.S. public schools. New York: LFB Scholarly Pub. LLC Morrison, B. (2007). Restoring safe school communities. Leichhardt, NSW: Federation Press. School Administrators at Fault for Avonte Oquendos Disappearance [Report] : Trending News : Latino Post. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.latinopost.com/articles/5210/20140328/school-administrators-at-fault-for-avonte-oquendos-disappearance-report.htm School Security Measures. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cga.ct.gov/2006/rpt/2006-R-0668.htm Read More