Changes In School Security Policies - Article Example

Memorandum: Changes in School Security Policies May11, Changes in school security policies Introduction Avonte Oquendo was a 14 year old child who studied at Queen’s school in New York. He was an autistic child. This implies that he had to be monitored due to lower mental development. He was found dead after three months after he disappeared, but how did that happen? Well, he escaped from schools via the schools main door. The example of Avonte Oquendo manifests how a child could bypass the security apparatus of schools and land into danger. Reports indicate that he passed a security guard by the main door. The case raised serious questions on how secure children are while at school. Moreover, serious questions about the responsibilities of each stakeholder in ensuring security in schools have been raised. Definition of the Problem Education is important for an enlightened society. Education is meant to instill skills required for a brighter career in the future. However, this dream cannot be realized if security risks in school continue. The increased cases of schools insecurity have raised concerns about the capabilities of schools to offer protection of children in cases of threats, both at school and while in transit to and from school. The threats at schools are increasingly becoming complicated and diversified and thus regular revision of security policies is inevitable. Agitation for change in security policy in schools has received a major uphold due to the discovery of Avonte Oquendo remains in a river, in New York. Oqendo’s case represents the threat that children undergo due to lax security measures in schools. Also, the responsibility of the concerned parties to maintain child discipline while in school is most opportune for a safer environment. Thus, the department of education, along with other stakeholders must take action before the situation gets out of hand. The impaired child protection policy has not been well elaborated. Most schools do not have adequate measures and facilities to cater for children with special needs. The case for Avonte represents an autistic problem that drove Avonte to take the inappropriate decision, which was not corrected by the school administrators and security persons. Moreover, mental disorders have led to increased violence in schools with reports of shootings in schools, hostage situations and suicide (Fast 2008). These events prompt a policy change in schools. To: Date: May11, 2014 Page 2 Literature Review Insecurity in schools reached a record high the last few years. Drawing stricter rules in schools is the best resort for schools. The state of Texas is currently using the contentious juvenile court system to cover indiscipline cases in schools, which usually culminate in violence or deaths. In addition, the deployment of armed security in schools to deter crime has been a case of importance in the state. The policy to combat school based crimes has been triggered by abductions, killings and disappearance of students in the hands of fellow students, and also due to mental problems. The recent spate of cases in school insecurity emanates from failure of school administrators and teachers roles in maintaining a positive behavior among students. Moreover, mental problems among students have been a contributing factor. Inability of teachers to detect changes and address beforehand is a problem in American schools. In the case of Avonte Oquendo, his parents had advised his teacher to monitor him as he was prone to making unreasonable decisions since he was autistic. However, the advice was ignored, which eventually led to his disappearance from school. Mass stabbing at Franklin Regional High School is the latest insecurity incident in schools. The perpetrator, Alex Hribal, was a student who carried multiple knives to school. Authorities indicate that he threatened several students and materialized his threats. The school security systems were lax since the presence of the knives went undetected. A closer study at the school security indicated that there were no metal detectors that could have raised an alarm over the weapons. As a result, 25 people were wounded. Despite the lax of security in some institutions, there are a number that have excelled in providing security. With the help of the department of homeland security, schools have developed mechanisms to deal with potential threats and risks to security. Various schools have invested in security systems like doors and surveillance camera and also armed security guards. The overall impression is to deter potential criminals. A survey conducted by the National Association of school psychologists in 2009-2010, 61% of the students reported spotting a security camera in their school. Moreover, armed police officers were seen patrolling the school corridors, especially in the middle and high schools. The middle and high schools are the most prone to internal violence instigated by students. The state departments of education have resorted to the law in combating crime in school (Kupchik 2010). To: Date: May11, 2014 Page 3 Stakeholder analysis Implementation of effective school security policies involves a number of players. The coordinated effort of the stakeholders can help in the implementation and thus the success of the policy. In this regard, the main stakeholders are; school superintendents, parents, state and national politicians, and law enforcement agencies. 1. School superintendents These are individuals tasked to ensure that all aspects of education flow smoothly. The superintendent is liable in cases of school insecurity. They are best suited to explain the causes and possible remedies. Thus, it is important to include them in the drafting and implementation of policies. The school superintendent’s obligation is to ensure that the department of education rules and regulations apply in an appropriate environment (Barbe, Swassing & Milone 2003). So, they are obliged to ensure security courtesy of their work interests. The performance of school superintendent soars if they participate in policy design and implementation. 2. Parents Parents are suited to assist their children overcome the pressure and stress that make them indulge in insecure endeavors. Parents can make time to counsel their children on issues relating to crime and the possible remedies. Children can be more open to parents than teachers. In this respect, parent teacher association creates a good rapport necessary for a close monitoring and assistance for troublemaking children. The study suggests that parents are interested stakeholders and are directly affected by insecurity in schools, thus, they should be included in drafting and implementation of policies. 3. Law enforcement agencies The police and other law enforcement agencies can work towards securing schools from outside and inside threats. It is the mandatory work of the police to protect citizens, who include children. Thus, the interests of the police would be to ensure a safe learning environment for children. The police are best suited to handle violent threats that may overwhelm the school administrators and security persons. 4. Local and national political leaders The intention of political leaders is to make an impact socially and economically to the society. They should, therefore, be part of the plan to ensure that the policy goes through. Securing children is a matter of social welfare. So, the political leaders must engage in drafting and implementation of the policies since they are representatives of the people (Schneier 2007). To: Date: May11, 2014 Page 4 The stakeholder analysis shows that cooperation between all concerned parties can yield better results in affording security, in schools. Therefore, the contribution of each stakeholder must be appreciated. Stakeholders analysis Stakeholder School superintendents Parents Politicians Law enforcement agencies Description/Position Responsible for administration of a school district Maintaining positive behavior among school going children Take a position of influence in the national and state governments Include the police. Tasked with ensuring security of all citizens Source of Influence Acquire influence from the job roles Natural roles as a parent Receive influence from voters Constitutional mandate Explanation of the Problem School insecurity is caused by ineffective mamngement and security policies. Safety of children in school Insecurityin shool is adeprivation of social welfare Insecurity in schools is acssued by various factors some which can be mitigated through legal means Perception of Crisis Very critical Very critical crtical critical Proximity to Problem Very close Very close close close Ability to Fix Problem Hghly apapble of manging security Can fix the problem through counseling violent children Can influence nationl and sate government to implement policies. Can act firsthand in dealing with crime in schools and search operations in disapearnces Ends Desired Security in schools Security in schools Implementation of policies Reduced crime rates in schools Measure of Success Safe schools Safe schools Social welfare Low insecurity rates in schools Essential to Solution? yes yes yes yes To: Date: May11, 2014 Page 5 Environmental scan Due to the complex nature of the problem, rolling out the recommended policy gradually is important to understand the external issues that may emanate from a change in policy. In the current station, there are numerous active factors that may encourage or hinder the policy. Legal factors are likely to take a center stage. The legal issues are associated with added costs to schools, parents and also increased taxation to cover the security policy. The proposed policies are not burdensome to the treasury. The government can comfortably meet the costs of the proposed policies. If implemented, the social benefits will surpass the cost by far. Thus, cost should be a minor factor in policy selection and implementation. Policy Alternatives 1. School administrators should be compelled to take more responsibility of preventable threats Staffs who are lax in their work should 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. The option 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 happened 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. Installation of automatic doors and revised emergency response procedures Disappearances among school children occur due to the ease at which they open school doors. Automatic doors ensure that only authorized people can enter or exit a building (Coon 2007. If Queens School had an 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. To: Date: May11, 2014 Page 6 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. A supplementary budget proposal highlighting the need for the funds from the treasury can ensure funds for the policy. Political will among leaders ensure the success of this policy. However, the door is a worthy investment that warrants support from all quarters who regard the 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. 3. Creation of special sections for students with mental and developmental disabilities From the testimonies of the security guard in Queens School, she did not know that Avonte was autistic (Latino news n.d). Schools should create separate sections for students with developmental and mental disorders. The policy would 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. Building of New structures in a situation where consolidation is not possible is a viable option. The main hindrance to this policy would come from human rights groups and anti-sprawling activists. 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 the security, other educational aspects remain intact. Criteria to Judge Alternatives Evaluation bases on the extent to which they reduce insecurity incidences and increased manageability of schools. Also, cost is a factor. A feasibility study of the policies will reveal the best policy in terms of the established criteria. From the analysis of alternatives, installation of synchronized doors and effective emergency response procedures are the best policies. It is followed closely by special sections for disabled children and placing more responsibilities on school administrators. To: Date: May11, 2014 Page 7 Recommendations Considering all factors; economic, social, political and environment, the most suitable policy is enhancement of school security systems and revision of emergency procedures. The policy is suitable since it offers remedy for insecurity at a lower social cost. Moreover, the policy is affordable since the only cost involved is the installation of security systems. Revision of emergency response is a costless. The policy can respond well to emergent issues such as child disappearance, and violence in school. Automatic doors ensure that only authorized persons leave or enter a school. The policy would avert incidences such as carrying weapons to school. Consequently, the policy would have averted the Avonte Oquendo case since he could not have eloped from school. The proposed policy is within the bounds of the law. However, legal experts may scrutinize the costs and follow up on the implementation. In addition, the policy does not negatively affect the subjects and the community. Critics may argue about the costs and time that it may take to fully implement the policy. However, most public policies are rolled out gradually, starting with the riskiest aspects. This implies that the policy would not be instant, but a gradual policy, allowing all stakeholders to familiarize with it.   References Barbe, W. B., Swassing, R. H., & Milone, M. N. (2003). Teaching through modality strengths: Concepts and practices. Columbus, Ohio: Zaner-Bloser. Coon, J. K. (2007). Security technology in U.S. public schools. New York: LFB Scholarly Pub. LLC Fast, J. (2008). Ceremonial violence: A psychological explanation of school shootings. Woodstock, NY: Overlook Press. Kupchik, A. (2010). Homeroom security: School discipline in an age of fear. New York: New York University Press Morrison, B. (2007). Restoring safe school communities. Leichhardt, NSW: Federation Press. Schneier, B. (2007). Beyond fear: Thinking sensibly about security in an uncertain world. New York: Copernicus Books. 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