Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
School Security Article
The following school security excerpt is from a Wall Street Journal article I was quoted in earlier this year. The full AASA school security survey that I developed is available at www.retasecurity.com. As always, I welcome your comments.
In a recent survey of 445 educators conducted by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), nearly 80% of respondents called school-safety funds "stretched" or "inadequate." Yet many also said they left quick, inexpensive fixes undone. More than 15% reported that their school entrances are neither locked nor monitored. A third confessed to propping open doors, giving intruders easy access. One in five didn't equip recess and field-trip monitors with walkie-talkies to report suspicious sightings or brewing conflicts.
And 29% either had no safety committee or indicated doubts about its effectiveness. Such committees are intended to bring together parents, teachers and local law enforcement at regular intervals.
"Many, many districts still have the Mayberry mentality -- we're nice and quiet and it won't happen here," said Paul Timm, President of consulting firm RETA Security.
Schools hold regular fire drills because they are mandated by law. They work; no student has died in a school fire for decades. But Mr. Timm says far too few schools hold lock-down drills, or run tabletop simulations of a crisis with police and paramedics.
What are your thoughts?
-------- Paul Timm, PSP
In a recent survey of 445 educators conducted by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), nearly 80% of respondents called school-safety funds "stretched" or "inadequate." Yet many also said they left quick, inexpensive fixes undone. More than 15% reported that their school entrances are neither locked nor monitored. A third confessed to propping open doors, giving intruders easy access. One in five didn't equip recess and field-trip monitors with walkie-talkies to report suspicious sightings or brewing conflicts.
And 29% either had no safety committee or indicated doubts about its effectiveness. Such committees are intended to bring together parents, teachers and local law enforcement at regular intervals.
"Many, many districts still have the Mayberry mentality -- we're nice and quiet and it won't happen here," said Paul Timm, President of consulting firm RETA Security.
Schools hold regular fire drills because they are mandated by law. They work; no student has died in a school fire for decades. But Mr. Timm says far too few schools hold lock-down drills, or run tabletop simulations of a crisis with police and paramedics.
What are your thoughts?
-------- Paul Timm, PSP
Saturday, November 7, 2009
School Security Article
Take a look at the article on school security that I wrote for the latest issue of School Planning & Management magazine - http://www.peterli.com/spm/resources/articles/archive.php?article_id=2381. Your thoughts?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Call for Stories
I am looking for stories/lessons about school security that can be included in a book I am writing called "School Security Lessons." Please feel free to share your story (or stories) with me and, if I select it for inclusion, I will give you credit for submitting. Thanks, in advance!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
David Timm's School Security Articles
Here are David Timm's school security articles - http://www.campussafetymagazine.com/Articles/?ArticleID=280 and http://www.peterli.com/spm/resources/articles/archive.php?article_id=2256.
Needless to say, I am proud of him both personally and professionally. Please read them and tell me what you think.
Needless to say, I am proud of him both personally and professionally. Please read them and tell me what you think.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Security Publication
Here is a link to "ASIS Dynamics:" http://www.asisonline.org/membership/resources/dynamics/2009_09_10.pdf. Paul Timm, PSP (that's me) is featured on page 5 of this September/October issue. I noticed that Vincent Bove, CPP is also featured. He and I regularly contribute to this "Member News" section. I have often wondered why, if security professionals want more status in their organizations, there are not more contributors... Your thoughts?
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