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SCHOOL SECURITY ASSESSMENT

TCA § 49-6-4302 requires that each Tennessee public school conduct a school security assessment using an assessment tool developed by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHS).

Annual assessments are to be completed by a school administrator (or designee) and a local law enforcement officer.

The contents of the assessment, training and accompanying manual are to be considered sensitive information not to be shared outside of those involved in conducting the assessment.

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SCHOOL SECURITY ASSESSMENT

The assessment is divided into four sections with subsections contained within each.

1. Exterior: buildings and grounds . exterior lighting . fences, walls, barriers . landscaping . signage Exterior doors . walkway covers, ledges, other roof access . exterior windows

2. Traffic and Parking Lot Safety: design and use

3. Interior: exit signs and emergency lighting . entrance lobby/access control . hallways, stairwells . cafeteria .restrooms . classrooms . high risk classrooms and areas . gymnasium and/or auditorium . Facility systems

4. General: security personnel . security systems; security cameras . communication systems . key control . identification badges . record security; security plans . protocols, and procedures . crisis intervention and incident reporting

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SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES

Engaging in safety planning and response at various levels:

Building level crisis/safety team
University Schools crisis/safety team
University of Memphis Crisis Response Team

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SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES

Multi-Hazard School Plans

“Schools should be careful to protect the plan from those who are not authorized to have it and should consider how they will secure documents shared electronically.”

Follows the FEMA’s four phases of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery).
All teachers are trained on the plan and informed on where to access the plan in the event of an emergency.
The plan has relocation and recovery sites specified for specific incidents.
All of our school buildings are locked at all times with active cameras in each location.
All of our school buildings conduct drills, as required by law, including intruder drills.

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RECENT/ONGOING SCHOOL SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS

Camera installations
Gate/Fencing installations
Access controls
Background checks
Monitoring/Patrol by Safety Personnel

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PLANNED ENHANCEMENTS

UofM: Strategic Emphasis on Safety

“The University has launched a comprehensive review of our approach to campus safety and security and has engaged a nationally recognized consulting firm to lead this effort.”

STATE: New state-wide school safety funding

“to fund an armed SRO for every public school, enhance mental health support and boost physical security at public and private schools across Tennessee.”

Glass enhancements
Camera additions
Access control additions
Gate/Fencing

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WHAT HAPPENS IN A CRISIS?

Building leaders work their multi-hazard school plan

This could include (depending on the incident)….

Contacting campus safety officials
Building lock-down
Restricted movement across campus
Contacting parents/families
Reunification efforts
Developmentally appropriate conversations/supports

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TEST ALERT

We are sending a test emergency notification to the cell phone numbers currently registered in our systems (PowerSchool/BrightWheel). If you do not receive these tests:

Log into the respective system and make sure your information is correct.
If your information is not correct- correct it.
Contact the system administrator if the problem persists.

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PARENT PARTNERSHIP

Access controls (courtesy vs. safety vs. convenience)
Follow your school communication protocols
Be mindful of direct communication with your child

Follow your school transportation protocols
Make sure we have your accurate contact information
Communicate shifts in household/family dynamics
Do not come to school when we are in a lock-down scenario
If you see something of concern- report it

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