WORKSHOP

School Security and Safety

Over the course of the last several school years, Woodland Schools have implemented significant improvements to make schools safer for students and staff.  In an effort to refine our implementation of industry-leading safety standards, we have been working with Compass Consulting Group.   Over the last four months, they have studied each of our facilities, reviewed safety procedures, and met, at length, with school and district staff and administrators.

The primary framework for the Compass Review is "Crime Prevention through Environmental Design" (CPTED) 

CDC developed the CPTED School Assessment.  This tool assesses the use of CPTED principles in three areas of schools: grounds, buildings, and interiors.

CPTED principles that schools can consider include:

1. Natural surveillance
   This refers to the placement of physical features that improve visibility. Example: The strategic use of windows that look out on the school entrance so students can see into the school and know that others can see them.
2. Access management
   This includes using signs, well-marked entrances and exits, and landscaping to improve or limit access to certain areas. Example: Landscaping that reduces access to unsupervised locations on the school grounds.
3. Territoriality
   This involves creating a welcoming environment. Example: Motivational signs, displays of student art, and the use of school colors to create warmth and express pride.
4. Physical maintenance
   This includes repair and general upkeep of space. Example: Removing graffiti and making repairs to restrooms, light fixtures, and stairways to maintain safety and comfort.
5. Order maintenance
   This includes addressing and reducing negative behavior. Example: Having an adult present at all times while students move from one location to another.

The principles of CPTED may benefit schools by:

• Creating a warm and welcoming environment
• Fostering a sense of physical and social order
• Creating a sense of ownership by students
• Sending positive messages to students
• Maximizing the presence of authority figures
• Minimizing opportunities for out-of-sight activities
• Managing access to all school areas

Environmental design alone will not prevent all school violence. However, CPTED is a promising prevention strategy that may lead to safer schools. For more information about prevention strategies CDC’s technical package, A Comprehensive Technical Package for the Prevention of Youth Violence and Associated Risk Behaviors, highlights strategies based on the best available evidence to help states and communities prevent or reduce youth violence.

At the time of this publication, the consultants are finalizing the information they will be working through with the school board. Because it will likely contain information that will identify specific vulnerabilities of the district and schools.  Such documents are exempt from public disclosure (RCW 42.56.420(3)).  These would be inadvisable to publish publicly.