Homeland Security begins with Hometown Security
As the world revolves and the future unfolds, complex challenges which threaten our safety and security may arise. Law enforcement officers and emergency response professionals are the primary line of defense for U.S. communities. They are trained and certified in actions of resilience, preparedness, and response capabilities.
School Resource Officers (SRO) are sworn law enforcement officers with arrest authority and additional specialized training for collaboration with school organizations during their assignment. Should a school shooting occur, law enforcement officers are the ones who rush to the scene, neutralize the shooter, assist victims, and secure the site. They are trained in school Safety to act as the first line of defense. Their presence at school facilities and on-campus allows them to build the kinds of relationships with students, faculty, and staff that can prevent or mitigate incidents of school violence.
Effective training is critical, making it imperative that schools regularly review training protocols to ensure that every School Resource Officer, School Security Officer, teacher, administrator, and student are as prepared as possible to respond to incidents of school violence within the framework of a comprehensive school safety plan. In addition, every school district and individual school needs a coalition from the community for the purpose of enhancing the safety of students and the security of schools. A school's security community of interest begins with its teachers, administrators, other staff, parents, and students and includes external partners like local first responders, social workers, and elected officials. A strong coalition can help carry the message to the rest of the community and minimize resistance to necessary security measures.
