Physical Security Ass

CONFIDENTIAL//FOR OFFICAL USE ONLY
Physical Security Assessment

Standards and Best Practices
TENNESSEE HIGHER EDUCATION CAMPUSES
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security | Office of Homeland Security | 2023
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School Security Committee Members
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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2018, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam convened a school security working group which focused on
improving safety and security in Tennessee’s public schools. Legislation was subsequently passed as a
result of the recommendations made by the working group, including Public Chapter No. 154, which
amended Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-6-4302, requiring school security assessments. The
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Office of Homeland Security in partnership
with the Tennessee Department of Education released their first iteration of school security assessment
standards in 2018 as part of these requirements.
In 2020, The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Office of Homeland Security
partnered with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in order to implement a similar standard
for the State’s higher education campuses.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Office of Homeland Security’s school
security assessment program utilizes best practices and standards for physical security developed by
government and private sector agencies and organizations along with Crime Prevention through
Environmental Design (CPTED) principles as guidance to set the security standards.
The school security assessment program focuses on the physical environment and the prevention of
criminal activity by identifying vulnerabilities and recommending standards that may eliminate or
reduce those vulnerabilities. School security assessments are neither an inspection, nor an effort to
grade, score, or rate the actions and procedures of those responsible for the facility and do not focus
on issues that clearly and appropriately belong to the facility management for the well-being of facility
Any products and/or services recommended are intended to be an example of an appropriate security
measure and not as an endorsement of a specific product or service.
School security assessments are confidential and are not subject to open records requests.
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THE ASSESSMENT
There is no ‘one size fits all’ security approach that will work in every facility; however, there are security
standards and practices which are recognized and accepted as appropriate for educational institutions.
The Department of Safety and Homeland Security strongly encourages educational institutions establish
a security committee, which includes representatives from the various local jurisdictional emergency
services agencies to assist in developing a comprehensive security program.
Risk is the probability of an event occurring and the consequences if it does occur. In general, this can
be explained as: risk = threat x vulnerability.
Security assessments identify potential vulnerabilities and suggest options that may eliminate or reduce
those vulnerabilities. While the intent of a school security assessment is that risk will be reduced and
the safety of persons and property will be increased, there is no guarantee that all vulnerabilities will be
identified or that the facility evaluated will be free from risk.
Assessors should be trained in the fundamentals of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED) and physical security, what to look for, and the process that should be used to complete the
assessment. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Office of Homeland Security
has CPTED/Physical Security practitioners available if the local law enforcement agency is unable to
provide the assistance needed and/or schools require consultation on security practices, procedures,
or measures.
The assessment provides standards which address four overlapping key concepts.
 Surveillance
 Access Control
 Territorial Reinforcement
 Maintenance
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 ● modular/portable classrooms
2. Traffic and Parking Lot Safety
● design and use ● bus loading area
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
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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
COMPLETING THE ASSESSMENT
While there is no specific required number of assessors, it is recommended that completion of the
assessment is done by multiple assessors. Multiple assessors allow for the division of labor; as well as
provides varying perspectives. This is beneficial in completing the assessment accurately and in a timely
manner.
 It is recommended that at least one assessor be from the staff of the actual facility that is being
assessed and at least one assessor be a law enforcement officer from the agency/organization
with law enforcement response authority for that facility.
 All assessors must be familiar with the facility, its security measures, and procedures.
The security standards in the assessment are designed to reduce vulnerabilities. While institutions
should strive to meet all the standards, some standards have been identified as priority standards.
Priority standards are those standards that should be corrected first if they are identified as being a
deficiency. Priority standards are specified as such on the assessment form.
The security standards in the assessment are structured in a Meets, Does Not Meet, and Does Not Apply
format. Not all standards will have a ‘Does Not Apply’ selection option as some standards are considered
“universal”.
To complete the assessment, assessors must go through each standard and inspect the property, the
building, all systems, and all policies and procedures to verify that the standard is or is not met or if the
standard does not apply.
It is strongly encouraged that assessors inspect their facilities under varying conditions to ensure
accuracy. These varying conditions may include but are not limited to during daylight hours and during
hours of darkness, when the campus is occupied and unoccupied, etc.
The following are requirements and best practices which coincide with the assessment sections and
subsections. These requirements and best practice recommendations should be used to aid the
assessors in making the determination if the school meets or does not meet the specific standards.
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REQUIREMENTS AND BEST PRACTICES
SECTION 1. EXTERIOR
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS: A well maintained campus encourages pride and ownership in students,
facility, and staff. The ‘Broken Windows’ theory is a criminological theory that links disorder and incivility
within a community to subsequent occurrences of crime within that community. As such, all buildings
and the campus grounds should be kept in good repair and free of trash, debris, graffiti, etc. Empower
staff and faculty to be aware of and to look for safety and security concerns, hidden contraband, or
other hazards, and report them accordingly.
Graffiti and vandalism of the school not only represent the destruction of property but also may
represent a potential gang presence and/or challenges to other gangs. It is imperative that all vandalism
be reported to the police. It should be photographed and removed as quickly as possible to prevent
retaliation or publicizing the group responsible.
Maintenance staff should conduct daily inspections of the building(s) and grounds. It is recommended
that a maintenance inspection schedule be implemented and adhered to by the school. Equipment
failure (e.g., burned out light bulbs, broken locks, etc.) may lead to theft and/or injury, so it is essential
that all equipment be inspected and repaired regularly to avoid this. Tamper resistant fasteners should
be used on equipment to maintain a safe area. If possible, trash receptacles should be emptied or
inspected several times throughout the day to reduce the possibility that contraband is concealed there.
Dumpsters and other refuge collection areas should be kept away from the facilities to prevent exposure
to any persons if contraband or other hazardous substances are illegally disposed of there. Critical
building systems, specifically those that might create a danger to persons, should be kept a minimum
safe distance from any occupied structures and safeguarded from any intentional or accidental
disruption. While second story burglary attempts are not a frequent occurrence, there are some simple
precautions which will prevent opportunists from vandalizing or burglarizing school property through
second story access, such as securing exterior ladders, stairs, and other exterior access points to higher
floors.
LIGHTING: Proper lighting is necessary for people to see and be seen. Proper lighting can have a
substantial impact on reducing crime. Where practical, security lighting during the hours of darkness
should be continuous and equipped with an alternative power source. In addition, the system's wiring
and controls should be protected against tampering or vandalism. All facility lighting fixtures should be
inspected regularly and be part of the facility’s regular maintenance program.
The right level or intensity of lighting depends on a site's overall security requirements. Lighting intensity
can be measured with instruments in lux and foot-candles, but as a general rule, at night when outside
of a building or in a parking lot, a person should be able to able to identify another person’s facial
features from approximately 30 feet away. Good lighting should be bright enough but not ‘as bright as
possible.’ In addition, lighting levels must meet local codes or standards and comply with sustainability
initiatives. A video surveillance system's needs may also dictate the proper level of lighting required.
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There are many types of lights available on the market; however, it is recommended that LED (light-
emitting diodes) lights be considered. These lamps have the potential of furnishing a cost-effective
alternative that lasts longer without sacrificing illumination. It has the best color rendition, fast start up
times, good cost effectiveness, and works with nearly every camera security system.
FENCES, WALLS, BARRIERS: The primary purpose of enclosing campus grounds is to clearly identify the
boundaries of the property and to notify users that, within those boundaries, certain behavior is
expected. Fences direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic to safer locations that are easily observed and
to authorized points of ingress and egress. Fencing is preferred in areas that cannot be easily monitored.
Consider supplementing the fencing with security cameras or intrusion detection alarms in areas of low
natural visibility and/or in critical areas.
The fence’s purpose is to protect, deter, and reveal. Selection of fencing material should be based upon
the use and location of the fence. When possible, fencing should be wrought iron, chain link, cable, split
rail, or other see-through construction. Fence height will be determined by the facility’s needs; however,
a minimum eight-foot fence is encouraged and should be adequate to accomplish most security
requirements. Proper fencing (regardless of the type) should be properly erected, be in good repair, and
have no areas of collapsed or damaged fencing. The fence bottom (where it meets the ground) should
be less than 2 inches off the ground so that persons cannot crawl under. Fence supports should be
anchored with poured concrete forms or set in concrete and supplemented with anchoring at the base
of the fence to enhance penetration mitigation.
Explore the feasibility of improving the landscaping, such as: earthen berms, low growing shrubs, plants,
and trees to supplement the existing perimeter fencing as long as it adheres to best practices.
Special consideration must be given to entry and exit points. Entry/exit locations should be kept to a
minimum, located in highly observable areas, and be consistent with efficient operations and safety. If
there is a gate at an entry/exit point, there should be no more than 2 inches between where the gate
and fence meet. Gates should be made of a material equal to or better in quality than the fencing with
special consideration given to the latches or locks. The type of lock used to secure the gate must be
compliant with applicable local building codes. Consider supplementing all gates with security camera
coverage.
LANDSCAPING: Trees, plants, shrubbery, and other measures may be just as effective as other fencing
materials when used to clearly identify school boundaries. However, if it’s not maintained properly,
landscaping may become a source of concealment or an area to hide criminal activity.
The presence or absence of vegetation is a clear indicator of desired or undesired use of an area. Worn
trails indicate cut-through paths of use and should be addressed by legitimizing the cut-through either
through the placement of a sidewalk or designated path or by eliminating the cut-through.
Good landscaping should be cut back away from the facility as to prevent creating hiding places,
especially near the main entrances and ground floor windows. Shrubs and bushes should be trimmed
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to a maximum of two feet in height, particularly near windows and doors. This ensures that routine
patrols and bystanders can view and report suspicious activity. Trees should be trimmed from the
ground up to the first branch at a height of no less than six feet. The closest branch should be at least
ten feet from the building. Tree canopies should not block illumination from installed lights, views from
security cameras, security guard stations, etc.
SIGNAGE: The facility property should be easily identifiable by signage as to what the facility is. The
primary point of entry in all buildings should be easily identifiable by design, architecture, color, etc. and
by signage indicating it as the primary public entrance.
To control admittance, on the exterior of all doors not designated as the main entrance, signage should
be posted that directs all visitors to the main entrance.
Post signage at or near the primary entrance and in all parking areas advising visitors, students, faculty,
and staff that items brought onto property are subject to search and that the area is under video
surveillance. This aids in deterring individuals from unwanted behavior and helps reduce liability.
Additionally, Tennessee Code Annotated 39-17-1309 (d) (1) (2) requires that:
Each chief administrator of a public or private school shall display in prominent locations about the
school a sign, at least six inches (6″) high and fourteen inches (14″) wide, stating:
FELONY. STATE LAW PRESCRIBES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF SIX (6) YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND
A FINE NOT TO EXCEED THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,000) FOR CARRYING WEAPONS ON
SCHOOL PROPERTY.
As used in this subsection (d), “prominent locations about a school” includes, but is not limited to,
sports arenas, gymnasiums, stadiums and cafeterias.
EXTERIOR DOORS: Exterior door systems should meet the minimum requirements set forth for
commercial establishments. All exterior doors should be constructed in a metal frame of steel,
aluminum alloy, or solid hardwood core. Any door windows should be constructed of tempered safety
glass with security inlays or coated with an impact, shatter resistant film. Any exposed hinges should be
of the non-removable pin hinge type. Minimum one-hour burn rated fire doors should be installed
where specified by fire code.
All exterior doors should be visibly numbered from the exterior of the building in the case of emergency
response to aid first responders in identifying specific entry points. Numerals should be a minimum of
six inches in height, be of a contrasting and reflective material, and able to be seen from a distance.
Numerals should go clockwise around the building with door #1 being the main entrance.
To control admittance, it is recommended that only one entrance to each building be designated for
public access. Each additional door should be secured to prevent entry and allow emergency exit only
through use of exit/panic bar hardware. All exterior doors should be equipped with hardware that
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prevents the chaining or barring of these doors. All teachers and staff with workstations near an exit
door should be given the responsibility to ensure that the door is kept secure and not propped open at
any time.
Exterior doors should remain locked except as required to maintain regular operations; such as to allow
students and staff admittance during periods of peak traffic. It is recommended that open access doors
are regular monitored either by security staff and/or by electronic means.
WALKWAY COVERS, LEDGES, ROOF ACCESS: Easy access to walkway covers, lower roofs, awnings, or
ledges from second story windows must be addressed through security or alarming the windows and
removing natural climbing facilitators such as stacked pallets, ladders, and other such items. Roof access
should be secured at all times except for when access is required by authorized personnel.
EXTERIOR WINDOWS: To provide natural surveillance onto walkways, courtyards, etc, all windows
should remain uncovered by papers, blinds, and drapes and only covered during an emergency.
Windows in an educational environment should use glazing/film that is shatter resistant lexan,
polycarbonate, or other break resistant coated material. All glazing/film should be in good condition,
free from cracks and/or breaks. Any window coverings must adhere to all fire, life safety, and building
codes.
All operational ground level windows should have latches/locks capable of securing the window and not
be easily defeated. If feasible, nonoperational ground floor windows are the better option; however, at
a minimum, ensure that all students, staff, and faculty know how to close and secure any open windows
during an emergency. Train students, staff, and faculty to stay away from and avoid windows during any
emergency to reduce the possibility of glass injuries. Windows designed for emergency escape should
not be blocked or difficult to open.
Like doors, all windows should be identified from the exterior with corresponding classroom numbers
that are large and visible to aid in an emergency response.
MODULAR/PORTABLE CLASSROOMS: With institutions outgrowing their existing space, many have
turned to the temporary use of modular and portable classrooms set apart from the main facility.
Modular and portable classrooms should be placed in areas with natural surveillance opportunities. The
more casual observation of the location, the safer these classrooms will tend to be. Consideration
should be given to fencing around the modular/portable classroom in such a way as to tie into the main
facility.
Modular and portable classrooms should be equipped with a means of locking down the classroom
during an emergency. Modular and portable classrooms should be secured at all times when not in use.
Consideration should be given to improving modular and portable classroom exterior doors as much
as is feasible (i.e., solid doors, high quality locks, no windows, etc.). Modular and portable classrooms
should have a primary and secondary means of communication with the main office and the rest of the
facility. Various means of communication could include phones, radios, alarms, etc.
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SECTION 2. TRAFFIC AND PARKING LOT SAFETY
DESIGN AND USE: In designing a safe traffic environment, it is important that potential hazards be
mitigated on all roadways, in parking lots, and at pickup and drop-off locations. Entry and exit locations
onto the campus from public roadways should be minimized to discourage the perception of public
access and cut-through traffic. If a public roadway passes through the campus, extra effort to restrict its
use may become necessary. Signage prohibiting through traffic, use of rumble strips, speed humps, and
other traffic calming devices may be useful in addressing these problems. Directional markings should
be used to minimize confusion and ensure the orderly flow of vehicles within the parking lots and on
the roadways. Speed limit signs should be clearly displayed. To limit vehicle obstructions in fire lanes,
curbing should be painted appropriately to reflect local code. Check with the locality for specific
meanings; however, generally, the colors on the curb mean:
Blue – Parking reserved for persons with disabilities
Red – Do not stop, stand, or park
Yellow – Stop only long enough to load or unload; stay with your car
White – Stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers
Parking areas should be regularly patrolled by security. Whenever possible, all parking lots should be
clearly visible from an occupied location on the campus. However, if not possible, then security cameras
may become necessary to monitor any isolated parking lots. To allow the parking lots to be adequately
monitored, it is important to ensure that persons are in the parking lots only at designated times.
Signage that informs the user of the parking lot hours of use, that the area is being monitored, and all
vehicles are subject to search can help deter undesired behavior. Parking lots used for evening activities
should have adequate lighting to increase safety. Develop policies to address extended stay vehicles
parked in the lots. Enter into an agreement with local law enforcement to report the vehicle and address
any possible concerns.
It is recommended that students, faculty, and staff share the same parking areas. By having faculty share
the parking lots, legitimate ownership is taken of that space by the faculty users and, therefore, more
natural surveillance is achieved. Students will see faculty members frequently in the parking lots and
are much less likely to use them for unlawful activity. Reserved parking for named faculty, such as
“Reserved for Mr. Doe” or “Reserved for the Dean,” is not recommended due to possible targeted attacks
or vandalism. Any assigned parking spaces should be specified by number instead of by name or
position to reduce this potential.
Some institutions may choose to implement a vehicle decal system. If more than one parking area is
used, this process could ensure that students, faculty, staff, and visitors park in the proper lots. Decal
systems also provide the ability to identify the student or faculty member responsible for the vehicle. If
such a system is used, institutions should institute a policy for students, faculty, and staff to register
their vehicle with the school, and they should consider implementing a strict tow policy for unpermitted
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vehicles. Additionally, use of the parking lots could be contingent upon the driver signing an agreement
of required safe use and completing a vehicle descriptor card.
Signage specifying that all visitors must park in designated visitor area parking should be clearly visible
when entering school grounds and these areas should be actively monitored by electronic means (i.e.,
cameras), security, and/or staff, or a combination of both. If cameras are used, good quality color
cameras with high-resolution color monitoring and recording systems should be used.
Pedestrian crosswalks and drop-off locations should be designated, clearly identified, and away from
the vehicle parking lots and other vehicle areas. Whenever possible, these areas should have barrier
protection in place to safeguard pedestrians from vehicle traffic. If possible, work with a local traffic
engineer to designate such a location.
BUS LOADING AREA: While higher education institutions may not utilize buses the same as K-12
schools, any bus loading areas, either school related or public transportations should be used only by
buses. Use signs, pavement markings, traffic cones, etc. to signify the separation between bus
loading/unloading zones and other vehicular traffic.
In areas where multiple buses may be loading/unloading, such as during an athletic event, efforts should
be made to eliminate the necessity for buses to back up to facilitate their movement. Where space
permits, buses should leave enough space between each bus to maneuver. As such, do not park buses
end to end, if possible, because if the first bus is disabled, all buses are prevented from moving.
SECTION 3. INTERIOR
EXIT SIGNS AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING: Exit signs and emergency lighting may be targets for
vandalism. If a pattern of damage to one location is recognized, it should be reported immediately to
school administrators and prompt an inspection of other signs and emergency lights.
Exit signs, posted emergency evacuation plans, and emergency lights should be checked regularly to
ensure they are functional and designate the intended direction for exit. Stairwells should be checked
regularly for adequate lighting and equipped with necessary emergency lighting.
INTERIOR LIGHTING: Proper lighting can augment other security measures such as intrusion detection
systems, security cameras, and security personnel activities. It also aids in minimizing other safety
concerns, such as trip and fall hazards. Poor lighting should be addressed immediately.
Similar to exterior lighting best practices, all interior lighting should be compatible with the other
components of the overall security program. Interior lighting should be placed in areas to minimize
shadowing and potential areas of concealment and be included in the scheduled maintenance plan.
ENTRANCE LOBBY and ACCESS CONTROL: The school design should ensure that visual observation of
all persons seeking entry into any of the buildings on the campus must occur at the entrance before
they proceed further into the building. In high population buildings, access control barriers are an option
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to ensure observation of persons entering. Security vestibules and turnstiles are two possible choices.
However, each of these must be installed, secured, and monitored properly to be effective. To aid in
controlling admittance into the building, it is recommended that only one entrance to each building be
designated for use. Each building should have a designated entrance that can be monitored either by
staff and/or by electronic means. Each additional door should be secured to prevent entry and allow
emergency exit only through use of exit/panic bar hardware.
Clear signage should be posted, notifying all visitors that they are subject to search and of any prohibited
items not allowed on campus (i.e., weapons, drugs, etc.).
HALLWAYS/STAIRWAYS: Disturbances often occur in school hallways, corridors, and stairways due to
limited monitoring. These incidents may be caused by several factors that could be addressed by
classroom schedules, building usage, and assigned monitors.
The design of hallways and stairways in older facilities may create recessed doorways, hidden areas,
and blind turns that will need to be addressed. Installing convex mirrors, having staff regularly conduct
checks, and security cameras in these areas can provide a means of observation. Faculty and staff
should watch for unusual activity such as the hiding of backpacks, weapons, and other contraband as
well as the clustering of students in or around these areas.
Fire alarm pull station should be protected from misuse and placed in areas which allow for
unobstructed observation from security cameras and/or staff. If there are fire alarm pull stations in
isolated areas, consider relocating the station(s) and/or placing security cameras in those areas to
monitor.
DINING FACILITIES: Dining facilities and similar venues are one of the most frequent sites of
spontaneous violence. It is an often-overcrowded common area where peers may encourage fighting
or confrontations. Monitoring of these facilities is necessary and may be accomplished with faculty, staff,
volunteers, security, and others.
All staff should be familiar with crisis and emergency response plans, medical and first aid response,
participate in all drills, and strictly adhere to all policies and procedures pertaining to fire code, health
code, and life safety code. Policies should be implemented which require that any potential weapons,
kept secured from student access. All walk-in refrigerator units should be equipped with hardware to
open from the inside and the outside. Proper cash controls practices should be in place with a policy
outlining procedures for: counting cash before and after changing cashiers, limiting cash in the register,
securing the remainder of cash in a safe, and making daily bank deposits.
Frequent deliveries to these facilities may necessitate consideration by school administration. The visitor
policy for this area may need to be adjusted from the regular visitor policy since delivery personnel are
directly supervised by staff.
RESTROOMS: Due to their private nature, public restrooms are frequently the location of choice for illicit
activity. It is imperative that restrooms be checked regularly for illicit activity and for maintenance issues
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that may contribute to or generate such activity.
To reduce the opportunity for illicit activities, restroom entrances should be designed as a labyrinth.
Labyrinth restrooms are ‘doorless’ restrooms where the entrance comprises of a series of turns and
since there is no door, they are less conducive to unwanted activity as sound from inside the restroom
is better detected from the hallway. If a labyrinth design is not feasible, another option is to secure the
restroom entrance doors open permanently or remove the door all together. Privacy walls or panels
can be installed to provide visual privacy from the outside areas.
Maintenance staff should give special attention to restrooms. All ceiling lights should be inspected for
functionality, should not be capable of being turned off without a key, and should be tamper resistant.
All restrooms should be equipped with fixed ceiling panels to prevent the use of drop ceilings as a place
for the concealment of contraband. If a fixed ceiling is not possible, then clips should be used to
minimize the likelihood of the ceiling tiles being lifted and/or the ceiling height should be a minimum of
twelve feet to make access less probable. Trash receptacles should be checked frequently for the same
reason. Windows and mirrors should be shatter resistant to avoid their use as weapons if broken. Efforts
should be taken to remove graffiti within 24 hours after it is observed, reported, and photographed.
Graffiti may be gang related and may be a challenge to other gangs, which in turn may lead to violence
on the property and attract more graffiti.
CLASSROOMS: Strategically locating classrooms according to use is a crime prevention tactic that
reduces potential conflicts among users, enhances accountability, and increases observation by faculty
and staff, thus providing a safer environment. Classrooms should be assigned to ensure that no areas
of the building are left isolated and unused for extended periods of time. Often, without legitimate
functions to occupy the space, illegitimate activity will occur.
Classrooms doors and door hardware should meet the National Association of State Fire Marshals’
recommendations pertaining to security, fire, and life safety. These recommendations include:
1. The door should be lockable from inside the classroom without requiring the door to be opened.
2. Egress from the classroom through the classroom door should be without the use of a key, a tool,
special knowledge, or effort.
3. For egress, unlatching the classroom door from inside the classroom should be accomplished with
one motion.
4. The classroom door should be lockable and unlockable from outside the classroom.
5. Door operating hardware should be operable without tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the
wrist.
6. Door hardware operable parts should be located between 34 and 48 inches above the floor.
7. The bottom 10 inches of the “push” side of the door surface should be smooth.
8. If the school building does not have an automatic fire sprinkler system, the classroom door and door
hardware may be required to be fire-rated and the door should be self-closing and self-latching.
9. If the door is required to be fire-rated, the door should not be modified in any way that invalidates
the required fire-rating of the door and/or door hardware.
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All classroom doors should remain locked when the classroom is occupied by students (i.e. when class
is in session). Additionally, classroom doors should be kept locked if the room will not be used for an
extended period of time to prevent vandalism or the use of unoccupied rooms for illicit activity.
Immediate access to classrooms by administrators or staff with keys or electronic access control
credentials is a must in the event a student secures himself or herself in the classroom to harm himself,
herself, or others. Any secondary barricade devices used to secure classrooms must be bypass-able
from outside the classroom by First Responder Agencies (Police, Fire, EMS) and must adhere to all fire,
building, and life safety codes.
Classroom doors should have tempered glass observation panels or glass observation panels with
shatter restraint glazing/film applied to encourage natural surveillance of the hallway. These panels
should not be blocked by blinds, papers, or other materials during normal operations. Observation
panels and windows should be equipped with blinds, coverings, etc., but they should be lowered only in
the case of a lockdown or critical incident. This practice should be noted in the school procedures
manual.
Any escape windows or doors in the classrooms should be easily manipulated to allow for escape and
should be examined regularly to ensure that they are not painted shut, blocked from access or opening,
or barred in any manner.
Every classroom should have a “Hard Corner” (i.e. safe haven) identified and marked for easy recognition
by students and faculty. Hard corners are areas in classrooms where students and teachers would not
be visible from hallways, windows, or door openings. They are located at an angle that would prevent
anyone firing a weapon through the classroom door from hitting anyone inside. Once the hard corner
is identified, marking the area for easy recognition during an emergency is vital. Indicating the location
can be done by marking the floor, using a logo or school mascot image on the wall, or a combination of
the two. Marking the hard corner should be consistent from room to room. This allows teachers,
substitutes, and staff to acclimate to the procedure regardless of what room they find themselves in.
Hard corners should be kept clear of debris, desks, shelves, storage, or any other items that would
hinder its use.
HIGH RISK CLASSROOMS AND AREAS: Areas identified as high risk are usually the target of burglaries
more so than violent acts. Such high risk areas may include but are not limited to computer labs, music
rooms, and other areas in which valuable equipment is stored and/or used.
These areas should be connected to a quality security system that is monitored by a central monitoring
company or local law enforcement. It is recommended that areas used for the storage of high dollar
equipment not be marked with signage identifying them but rather identified by room number only.
Areas in which student files are stored, such as counseling offices and main offices, should be monitored
and equipped with high security locks. Areas where medications and/or other drugs may be kept, such
as a campus clinic, should also be monitored and equipped with high security locks.
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GYMNASIUM AND/OR AUDITORIUM: The design of these facilities should allow use without providing
open access to the remainder of the facility. When used as part of the school function, locker rooms,
backstage areas, storage areas, etc. should be monitored. To retrofit existing facilities that were not
designed with this concern in mind, interior doorways may be installed to allow access to restroom
facilities, locker rooms, etc.; but limit access to the remainder of the school while remaining consistent
with fire code requirements.
Entrances to these facilities used by outside entities should be separate, provide for crowd management
and movement, and should be supervised by a responsible user. If the maintenance staff is not used
for outside entity functions, the designated individual should be responsible for conducting a walk-
through check and securing the facility after it is used.
As with classrooms, in the event of an emergency, gymnasiums and auditoriums should have the
capability to go into lockdown when occupied.
FACILITY SYSTEMS: It is essential that areas restricted from general use be clearly identified by signage
and notice of the restricted areas be included in policy, student conduct guidelines, etc. Students seeking
private locations to conduct illicit activities may seek doors known to be open and rooms that are not
regularly occupied such as custodial closets and mechanical rooms. Not only does this present an
opportunity for intentional harm, but unintentional harm may occur as well by students being around
dangerous chemicals or playing with facility systems, such as electrical, water, etc. These doors must be
kept locked to eliminate access to these areas.
Custodial closets and mechanical rooms should be kept clean and free from debris. Old and unused
chemicals should be properly disposed of to reduce the potential for hazardous spills, fires, etc.
Security measures should be taken to protect access to exterior facility systems as well. Openings,
including shafts, vents, ducts, or fans; utility tunnels; channels for heat, gas, water, electric power, and
telephone; and sewers and other drains should be secured with bars or grills, wire mesh, expanded
metal, or fencing to prevent unauthorized access or the introduction of contraband, weapons, or
hazardous materials inside. Measures such as fencing, wall enclosures, etc. should be used to protect
gas meters, transformers, electrical boxes, phone lines and communication junction boxes from
intentional or accidental tampering, vehicle crashes, etc. Generators, gas lines, fuel storage, and other
potentially hazardous systems should be kept back from any occupied structures or, minimally,
measures should be taken to protect the utilities and persons within the facility should a leak or an
explosion occurs.
Written policies and procedures should be implemented for emergency shutdown, venting, and/or
sealing of critical facility systems in the event of an emergency.
SECTION 4. GENERAL
SECURITY SYSTEM: It is recommended that a security system be installed for all institutions. Due to the
building size and/or number of buildings, a zoned system which identifies an alarm activation by location
15
is recommended. At a minimum, all ground floor windows, exterior doors, and rooms that contain
valuable equipment and/or files should be monitored. Duress alarms (i.e., panic buttons) may be
strategically located throughout the campus as required. Ideally, the system should have a battery
backup for power failures and a maintenance agreement which ensures that critical components are
repaired or replaced in an appropriate amount of time. The security system and its various components
should be tested annually for functionality.
SECURITY CAMERAS: Security cameras can help deter individuals from conducting undesirable
behavior, may help detect undesirable behavior, and can aid subsequent investigations into undesirable
behavior. It is highly recommended that a camera system survey be completed by a qualified individual
to confirm that the camera coverage, camera type, and system requirements are sufficient. Minimally,
the ability to real time monitor, control cameras, and access the recordings/playbacks should be
available on-site with strong consideration given to remote, password protected access via the internet.
Security camera systems should comprise of a mix of fixed and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, various
focal lengths, low light capabilities, access control integration, video analytics, motion detection, etc. The
specific area of coverage, illumination, and the activity or target for observation are just some of the
considerations that should be made when selecting the appropriate cameras. Some areas that require
camera coverage include entrances, classrooms, hallways, stairwells, gymnasiums, dining facilities,
libraries, restricted areas, high risk areas, recreation areas, parking lots, and athletic fields.
The security camera system should be a part of the overall facility maintenance plan with requirements
in place to repair or replace inoperable components as needed in a timely manner. The administration
should designate an individual to be responsible for the security camera system to include viewing
surveillance recordings and managing the system and its related components.
KEY CONTROL: Types of key systems can vary based on the facility’s need and cost. For schools
equipped with a mechanical key system, the use of high security locks is essential. High security locks
require keys that are cut by a specialized vendor, making duplicating or manipulating keys more difficult.
Newer facilities or those being renovated may opt for electronic access over mechanical key systems.
Electronic systems allow for computerized monitoring of when and who accessed certain areas and
provide a means to give singular, limited, or full access to various users. They also allow for the
rescinding of access in a matter of seconds via a computer program.
Implementing a key control and management system is a straightforward process that involves three
basic steps: take inventory of the facility to identify all the installed locks, ascertain the operational needs
of the employees as well as others who may need access (i.e., service repair, cleaning crew, emergency
services, etc.), and establish a policy to follow for effective key control and management. The policy must
include an annual inventory of all the facility’s mechanical keys and electronic keys. All keys, regardless
of the type, should be distributed and signed for at the beginning of the school term and then collected
at the end of the term. One staff member and a backup should be assigned this duty and should be
identified by position in the institution’s crisis plans for quick access to any needed key or a master key
16
in an emergency situation. The policy must also provide guidance on how to report any lost or
unaccounted for keys. Lost or unaccounted mechanical keys require a lock change, lost or unaccounted
for electronic keys require deactivation of the key.
A master key system is a single key which can operate a series of locks, and each of those locks can also
be operated with another key which is specific to that lock. Since the compromise of a master key can
compromise an entire campus, the use of any master key must be strictly controlled. As such, access to
master keys should be described in policy and limited to essential personnel who have a legitimate need
for them.
Knox boxes or other secure boxes located outside of the buildings allow access to keys for use by first
responders in the event of an emergency. An alternative to a Knox box is the facility may opt to enter
into an agreement with the local first responder agencies and issue them keys directly. Either option
should be written into the key control policy and the keys regularly accounted for.
IDENTIFICATION BADGES: It is highly recommended that all schools institute a photo identification
badge system for students, faculty, and staff, requiring them to display the badge on the outer most
article of clothing while on campus property. ID cards may be integrated into the access control system
and double as the person’s access card providing the facility has a compatible electronic key entry
system.
RECORD SECURITY: Private records of students should be handled in accordance with all applicable
laws. All computers containing such information should be password protected when not in use.
Additional care should be taken to ensure that the monitor is not visible to people passing by. Hard files
should be stored in locked file cabinets and should be secured from access and common view.
It is recommended that the institutions have a policy which instructs staff on the proper handling,
storage, and disposition of the private records of students, faculty, and staff. Personnel responsible for
such duties should be trained on the policies and procedures.
SECURITY PLANS, PROTOCOLS, AND PROCEDURES: Every facility should have its own building specific
written emergency operations plan (EOP) drafted by a multidisciplinary team. This multidisciplinary
team should consist of a representative from the local first responder agency (fire, police, emergency
medical, emergency management, etc.) and the school.
It is recommended, in addition to any internal school security personnel, that an agreement is entered
into with the local law enforcement agency to share emergency operational plans, if feasible.
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS: Emergencies can occur in any classroom or facility at any time.
Communication may be needed to report an injury, an emergency, to call for assistance, or persons may
observe activities that they need to report. As such, it is essential that all classrooms be equipped with
some method of two-way communication. Options for two-way communication may include the use of
intercom systems, wired telephones, etc. It is recommended that there be a secondary system of
communication available for use in situations where the primary system fails. Be sure to include
17
modular classrooms, athletic facilities, interior and exterior common areas when implementing a
communication system. These systems should be tested regularly to ensure they are in working order.
CRISIS INTERVENTION / INCIDENT REPORTING: A threat assessment team identifies, evaluates, and
addresses threats or potential threats to the school and its students, faculty, and staff. Threat
assessment teams review incidents of threatening behavior by students (current and former), parents,
school employees, or other individuals. It is recommended that every school implement a threat
assessment team and that they partner with outside subject matter experts who can be called to assist
as needed. It is encouraged that schools provide materials to staff, students, and parents to explain the
threat assessment team’s policy and purpose and reassure students that reporting is confidential.
Guided by legal mandates, each school must identify what will be reported to mental health services,
family services, and/or law enforcement. It is recommended that a central repository for incident and
threat reporting be implemented. The policy should specify when a documented report is required to
ensure that the report is available should more severe discipline measures become necessary.
Incidents should be categorized and analyzed to identify recurring problems or patterns. Any and all
patterns indicate a need to look closer at the perpetrator, the location, or the cause. If patterns are
recognized, they should be reported to the school administration and police for further investigation. If
patterns are identified, some response to address the pattern must be made. Typically, the pattern will
point to a contributing factor such as: lack of responsible supervision in the area, conflicting class
schedules, isolation of an area, or overcrowding during a certain time. Once steps have been taken to
address the contributing factors, some effort to monitor the pattern over a period of time for continued
problems or problem elimination should be taken and, if the problem continues, other strategies
employed.
18
DEFINITIONS
"ABC Class" extinguishers are multi-purpose dry chemical fire extinguishers used for combustibles
such as wood and paper, flammable liquids, or electrical fires.
"K Class" fire extinguishers are wet chemical fire extinguishers used specifically in kitchens for oil and
grease fires, etc.
Critical building systems are any piece of equipment or machinery that could significantly impair the
ability to safely meet business objectives.
Critical sensitive areas are areas which the facility deems important to its daily operations and/or
areas which stores critical business information.
Restricted areas are areas in the facility that are typically off limits to students and visitors and should
only be accessed by persons with a legitimate reason.
Door window panels are small windows in doors which allow people to look through without opening
the door.
Fragmentation retention films / window glazing are window coatings which will effectively hold the
glass shards together in one piece should the window be broken.
Knox boxes are small, wall-mounted safes that hold building keys for fire departments, emergency
medical services, and police to retrieve and use during an emergency situation.
'Labyrinth' restrooms are ‘doorless’ restrooms where the entrance comprises of a series of turns.
Labyrinth restroom entrances have no surface to contaminate, are less conducive to unwanted activity,
and the sound signature of criminal activity is more likely to be detected because no doors exist.
Site planning is the design process for planning a new development project.
Security systems are sensor-based devices designed to detect and/or alert a facility to an intrusion or
unauthorized use of equipment or structure.
Single point of entry is the school’s designated entrance for all visitors. The single point of entry should
be clearly marked and easily identified by signage, color, architecture, etc., making it obvious to any
visitor that it is the designated entrance.
Hard corners are areas in classrooms where students and teachers would not be visible from hallways,
windows, or door openings.
19
Classroom Door Security & Locking Hardware
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE FIRE MARSHALS
(Updated 2/10/2021)
The ability to protect students, teachers, and administrators from threatening situations is a high priority
in all educational institutions. Many schools, school districts, colleges, and universities have taken
measures to address this pressing concern of safety of occupants in schools, and especially classrooms.
While protection against active shooters and violent events is a main concern, bullying and other
affronts to personal safety also occur. Occupants of schools, including after-hours occupants, should be
provided with a safe and secure educational environment.
Some of the proposed or implemented solutions specifically affecting classroom doors, while well
intended, may compromise aspects of life safety while attempting to address security. In addition to the
demand to protect students and teachers from outside-the-classroom threats, classroom doors are
required to comply with other life safety and accessibility provisions.
To help prevent fire spread in a school building, building codes, fire codes, and life safety codes may
require classroom doors to be fire-rated doors. Fire-rated doors are required to be self-latching when
closed to ensure they perform their intended protective function in the event of a fire.
To facilitate immediate egress from the classroom, building codes, fire codes, and life safety codes
require doors from inside the room (the egress side) to unlock and unlatch with one motion without the
use of a key, tool, special knowledge, or effort.
To ensure access to and from classrooms by all occupants regardless of physical ability, classroom doors
are required to meet federal accessibility laws, and building and fire code requirements, which include
the ability to operate door hardware with no tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist; and
the door operating hardware must be located between 34” and 48” above the floor. Federal accessibility
laws and building codes require the bottom 10” of the push side of the door to be a smooth surface.
When selecting hardware which allows classroom doors to be lockable from inside the room,
consideration must be given to the risks and potential consequences of utilizing a device which
blocks the door from the inside potentially impeding or preventing immediate egress by
occupants, at any time, and under any conditions.
Devices which prevent classroom doors from being unlocked and opened from outside the
classroom may place the inhabitants of the room in peril. In addition to the requirement that
classroom doors must be unlockable and unlatchable in a single motion from inside the
classroom (discussed above), these doors should always be unlockable and openable from
outside the classroom by authorized persons.
The “School Security – Classroom Door Checklist” identifies many parameters which should be satisfied
when selecting and installing hardware on classroom doors intended to increase security in the
classroom.
20
School Security – Classroom Door Checklist
1. The door should be lockable from inside the classroom without requiring the door to be opened1
2. Egress from the classroom through the classroom door should be without the use of a key, a tool,
special knowledge, or effort2
3. For egress, unlatching the classroom door from inside the classroom should be accomplished with
one motion3
4. The classroom door should be lockable and unlockable from outside the classroom4
5. Door operating hardware should be operable without tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the
wrist5
6. Door hardware operable parts should be located between 34 and 48 inches above the floor6
7. The bottom 10 inches of the “push” side of the door surface should be smooth7
8. If the school building does not have an automatic fire sprinkler system, the classroom door and door
hardware may be required to be fire-rated and the door should be self-closing and self-latching8
9. If the door is required to be fire-rated, the door should not be modified in any way that invalidates
the required fire-rating of the door and/or door hardware9
1
To help protect teachers and students in the classroom, the classroom door should be lockable from inside the classroom without requiring
the door to be opened.
2
Building codes, life safety codes, and fire codes require doors in the means of egress to be openable without the use of a key, a tool, special
knowledge, or effort to ensure all occupants have the ability to evacuate the building quickly and easily in an emergency situation
3
Building codes and fire codes require doors in the means of egress to be unlatched with only one motion. Door hardware which requires
more than one motion to unlock / unlatch the door is not allowed.
4
To allow securing the classroom during times the classroom is not occupied; and to allow access to the classroom at all times by authorized
personnel.
5
Building codes, fire codes, and Federal accessibility laws require door hardware to be operable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of
wrist to ensure all occupants have the ability to operate and open the door.
6
Building codes, fire codes, and Federal accessibility laws require the operable components of door hardware, such as lockset lever handles,
to be located within a relatively small range of height (34” to 48” above the floor). Door hardware which requires reaching above 48” to operate
or requires reaching below 34” to operate is not allowed.
7
Building codes and Federal accessibility laws require the bottom 10” of the push side of the door to be a smooth surface.
8
If the school building is not protected by a fire sprinkler system installed and maintained in accordance with building and fire code
requirements, most building codes and fire codes require classroom doors which open to an interior corridor to be fire-rated. Doors required
to be fire-rated are also required to be self-closing and self-latching to ensure the fire-rated door is closed and latched in the event of a fire.
Classroom doors that open directly to the outside are usually not be required to be fire-rated. Classroom doors in a school building protected
by a code-compliant fire sprinkler system may not be required to be fire-rated, and may not be required to be self-closing and self-latching.
9
To ensure the fire rating of a door is maintained, modifications or alterations to doors required to be fire-rated are required to be done
under the supervision of the door manufacturer or by a company specifically authorized by the door manufacturer.
In the Classroom Door Checklist, “should” is used throughout. However, based upon building codes, life
safety codes, fire codes, and federal, state, and / or local laws and regulations that are applicable to a
particular school, these requirements may be MANDATORY. Always check, and comply with, all
applicable building and fire codes, life safety codes, and laws, regulations and other requirements.
21
SECTION 1 - EXTERIOR
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
1. The campus grounds are kept free of trash and Meets Does
debris. Not
Meet
2. Dumpsters are placed a minimum of 50 feet from Meets Does

buildings. Not
Meet
3. Electrical transformers, generators, etc are placed Meets Does Does

a minimum of 50 feet from buildings. Not Not
Meet Apply
4. Exterior electrical, maintenance, and mechanical Meets Does Does

rooms are kept locked. Not Not
Meet Apply
5. All gasoline/diesel fuel storage areas are free of Meets Does Does
any fertilizers or other oxidizing materials. Not Not
Meet Apply
6. Exterior trash cans are securely anchored to the Meets Does Does
ground, stationary posts, etc or are otherwise Not Not
immoveable. Meet Apply

22
7. Exterior trash cans are emptied at the end of each Meets Does Does
school day and checked daily for contraband. Not Not
Meet Apply
8. There is a schedule in place for inspection and Meets Does

repair of exterior facility locks, outbuildings, electrical Not
plates, and fire alarms. Meet
9. All vandalism is reported to local law enforcement Meets Does

or security personnel. Not
Meet
10. All graffiti is photographed, reported to local law Meets Does

enforcement, and removed within 24 hours. Not
Meet
11. Patterns of vandalism, violence, and other Meets Does

criminal activity are reported to school Not
administration and law enforcement as Meet
appropriate. (priority standard)
12. Recreational equipment/athletic equipment is Meets Does

connected with tamper resistant fasteners. Not
Meet
13. Athletic fields and athletic equipment are secured Meets Does Does
when not in use. Not Not
Meet Apply

23
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
14. Exterior lighting in parking lots is adequate (e.g. Meets Does

reduces shadowed areas and areas of concealment, Not
clearly allows for identification of a person’s facial Meet
features, clearly allows for distinguishing of color and
details of vehicles, etc.)
15. There is adequate lighting at all building Meets Does

entrances/exits. (e.g. reduces shadowed areas and Not
areas of concealment, clearly allows for identification Meet
of a person’s facial features, etc)
16. There is adequate lighting along all pedestrian Meets Does

walkways. (e.g. reduces shadowed areas and areas of Not
concealment, clearly allows for identification of a Meet
person’s facial features, etc)
17. All athletic/outdoor facilities have adequate Meets Does Does

lighting. (e.g. reduces shadowed areas and areas of Not Not
concealment, clearly allows for identification of a Meet Apply
person’s facial features, etc)
18. All exterior lighting is compatible with security Meets Does Does
cameras (e.g. color rendition, clarity, etc) (priority Not Not
standard) Meet Apply
19. All exterior lights are mounted at least 12 to 14 Meets Does

feet from the ground to prevent tampering. Not
Meet

24
20. All exterior lights have break resistant glass. Meets Does
Not
Meet
21. All exterior lights are checked at least monthly for Meets Does
inoperative fixtures, burned out bulbs, etc and Not
repairs are made as needed. Meet
FENCES, WALLS, BARRIERS
22. Where needed, the campus property is fenced, Meets Does Does
walled, or has some other type of barrier that Not Not
prevents unauthorized access to the campus. Meet Apply
23. All recreational areas and athletic fields are Meets Does Does
fenced, walled, or other have some other type of Not Not
barrier preventing unauthorized access. Meet Apply
24. All restricted areas are fenced, walled, or have Meets Does Does
some other type of barrier preventing unauthorized Not Not
access. Meet Apply
25. Any remaining areas without fencing, walls, Meets Does Does
barriers have border definition (e.g. signage, Not Not
landscaping, etc) to separate and define school Meet Apply
property from other public areas.

25
26. All fences, walls, barriers are properly maintained. Meets Does Does
Not Not
Meet Apply
27. Gates are kept locked when not in use. (priority Meets Does Does
standard) Not Not
Meet Apply
28. Gates are always monitored when not locked. Meets Does Does
(priority standard) Not Not
Meet Apply
LANDSCAPING
29. All shrubs and bushes are trimmed to a Meets Does Does
maximum height of two feet. Not Not
Meet Apply
30. All tree branches are trimmed at least six feet Meets Does Does
from the ground. Not Not
Meet Apply
31. All trees are at least ten feet from any building(s). Meets Does Does
Not Not
Meet Apply

26
32. Landscaping is cut back so it does not obstruct Meets Does Does
the view of security cameras, security checkpoints, Not Not
guard stations, etc or interfere with lighting or Meet Apply
alarms. (priority standard)
33. All landscaping is cut back to minimize Meets Does Does

concealment areas in and around the building(s). Not Not
(priority standard) Meet Apply
SIGNAGE (WAYFINDING)
34. Signage which identifies the facility is clearly Meets Does

visible to visitors. Not
Meet
35. Signage designating the primary public access Meets Does

point is visibly posted. (priority standard) Not
Meet
36. “Gun Free School Zone” signs are posted which Meets Does
meet the requirements in TCA 39-17-1309 (d) (1) (2). Not
Meet
37. Signs that identify restricted and/or non-public Meets Does Does
areas are used, as applicable. Not Not
Meet Apply

27
38. Regulatory, statutory, and/or site-specific signage Meets Does

is posted as necessary. Not
Meet
EXTERIOR DOORS
39. All entry/exit doors provide direct and Meets Does

unobstructed access to a sidewalk. Not
Meet
40. All exterior doors “self-close”, lock properly, and Meets Does
are compliant with applicable codes and standards. Not
(priority standard) Meet
41. All doors are constructed of steel, aluminum Meets Does

alloy, or solid core hardwood. Not
Meet
42. All door frames are made of heavy metal Meets Does
construction. Not
Meet
43. All glass doors are framed and made of tempered Meets Does Does
or shatter resistant glass or have window glazing/film Not Not
that provides shatter resistance. Meet Apply

28
44. All exterior doors are secure-able with high Meets Does
security mechanical locks or electronic locks. Not
45. All exposed door hinges are non-removable Meets Does Does
hinges. Not Not
Meet Apply
46. All exterior doors are numbered with signs at least Meets Does
six inches in height for identification by first Not
responders. (priority standard) Meet
47. Trash containers, mailboxes, vending machines, Meets Does Does

or other fixtures that could conceal hazardous Not Not
materials or contraband are positioned away from Meet Apply
entry/exit doors.
WALKWAY COVERS, LEDGES, OTHER ROOF ACCESS
48. Natural climbing facilitators are removed from Meets Does Does
areas where they may provide access to walkway Not Not
covers, lower roofs, awnings and/or ledges. Meet Apply
49. Ladders are secured to prevent access to Meets Does Does

walkway covers, lower roofs, awnings and/or ledges. Not Not
Meet Apply

29
EXTERIOR WINDOWS
50. Fragmentation retention film or a glazing system Meets Does

has been applied to minimize glass breakage and Not
glass fragmentation risks on ground floor exterior Meet
windows.
51. All ground floor exterior window locks function, if Meets Does Does
applicable. Not Not
Meet Apply
52. All exterior windows are intact and are in Meets Does
good repair. Not
Meet
53. All basement exterior windows are secured Meets Does Does
with grating or well covers. Not Not
Meet Apply
54. All exterior windows are numbered for Meets Does

identification by first responders. (priority Not
standard) Meet
55. All exterior windows have blinds, shades, etc Meets Does
which are kept open during normal activities, but can Not
be temporarily closed as conditions warrant, such as Meet
during a lockdown, etc. (priority standard)

30
56. All exterior windows are kept free of posters, Meets Does
pictures, flyers, etc to allow for clear observation Not
outside. (priority standard) Meet
57. Windows in critical sensitive areas are treated Meets Does Does
with one-way privacy film to prevent visual Not Not
observation from the exterior of the building. Meet Apply
MODULAR/PORTABLE CLASSROOMS
58. Modular/portable classrooms are kept locked at Meets Does Does

all times. (priority standard) Not Not
Meet Apply
59. The facility fire alarm can be heard sufficiently Meets Does Does
from inside each modular/portable classroom. Not Not
60. Modular/portable classrooms have two-way Meets Does Does

communication with the office. (priority standard) Not Not
Meet Apply
61. There are means to lockdown all Meets Does Does

modular/portable classrooms during an emergency. Not Not

31
62. Modular/portable classrooms are placed in areas Meets Does Does

of natural observation from within the main facility. Not Not
Meet Apply
SECTION 2 - TRAFFIC AND PARKING LOT SAFETY

DESIGN AND USE
63. Driving lanes have directional markings. Meets Does

Not
Meet
64. Vehicle access points into the facility property are Meets Does
limited to the fewest number possible to maintain Not
operational requirements. (priority standard) Meet
65. Fire lanes are marked with approved fire lane Meets Does
signs, yellow curbing, and are clear of any Not
obstruction. (priority standard) Meet
66. Parking near the building is controlled or is Meets Does

authorized use only. Not
Meet
67. Authorized use only parking areas are limited to Meets Does
approved employees, students, visitors, or vendors Not
only. Meet

32
68. There is a designated parking/pick up/drop off Meets Does

area for persons arriving and leaving. (priority Not
standard) Meet
69. There are signs designating the speed limit. Meets Does
Not
Meet
70. Speed bumps/humps or other traffic calming Meets Does

devices are used in areas of pedestrian traffic. Not
71. There are barriers protecting facility entrances, Meets Does

pedestrian walkways, and other critical areas from Not
vehicles. (priority standard) Meet
73. Parking lots are clearly observable from various Meets Does
buildings on campus. Not
Meet
74. Parking lots are monitored and/or check regularly Meets Does
during the day either staff and/or by security Not
Meet
75. Areas of concealment in and around parking Meets Does

areas are minimized. (priority standard) Not
Meet

33
76. Vendor, contractor, and visitor vehicles are Meets Does

screened and/or are prohibited from entry during Not
heightened security alerts, such as lockdowns. Meet
77. Assigned parking spaces are specified by number Meets Does Does
instead of name/position. Not Not
Meet Apply
78. There are designated bicycle parking areas. Meets Does Does
Not Not
Meet Apply
79. Bike racks are monitored by staff, security, or Meets Does Does
security cameras. Not Not
Meet Apply
80. All parking areas are accessible to emergency Meets Does

service vehicles. (priority standard) Not
Meet
BUS LOADING AREA
81. Public Bus loading areas are clearly marked and Meets Does Does
restricted from use by other vehicles. (priority Not Not

34
SECTION 3 - INTERIOR
EXIT SIGNS AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING
82. All exit signs and emergency lights function and Meets Does
are properly mounted. (priority standard) Not
Meet
83. Exit signs and emergency lighting is included in Meets Does

the school’s scheduled maintenance plan. Not
Meet
84. The maintenance plan addresses procedures Meets Does

for reporting emergency light outages. Not
Meet
85. Clear and precise emergency evacuation maps Meets Does

are displayed in a visibly apparent location in every Not
classroom and in other occupied areas (dining Meet
facility, library, etc.) (priority standard)
86. Emergency shelter locations (storm shelters, etc) Meets Does Does
are clearly marked. (priority standard) Not Not
Meet Apply
87. All rooms, stairwells, and halls have proper Meets Does
lighting. (priority standard) Not
Meet

35
88. All lighting is compatible with security cameras Meets Does Does
(e.g. color rendition, clarity, etc) (priority standard) Not Not
Meet Apply
89. Interior lighting is included in the school’s Meets Does

scheduled maintenance plan. Not
Meet
90. The maintenance plan addresses procedures for Meets Does

reporting interior light outages. Not
Meet
ENTRANCE LOBBY / ACCESS CONTROL
91. Persons are required to enter through the Meets Does

buildings’ primary entrances or through a Not
designated entrance that is (as required) Meet
mechanically or electronically accessed controlled;
and/or is monitored by security cameras.
92. Buildings that are identified as high risk (student Meets Does
housing, labs, etc) have access control measures in Not
place to limit and/or identify all persons Meet
entering/exiting the building.
93. Vendors are escorted by staff at all times while on Meets Does
property. Not
Meet

36
94. After hours employees, contractors, and vendors, Meets Does

etc are required check in/out with designated campus Not
staff. Meet
HALLWAYS/STAIRWELLS
95. All hallways are kept clear and free of slip, trip, Meets Does
and fall hazards. Not
Meet
96. There is a means of observation provided (e.g., Meets Does

convex-mirrors, staff, cameras, etc) in high traffic Not
areas. Meet
97. Stairwells are routinely checked and/or Meets Does Does

monitored. Not Not
Meet Apply
98. Fire Alarm pull stations are protected from misuse Meets Does
and in areas that allow for unobstructed observation Not
by security cameras, school staff, etc. Meet

37
DINING FACILITY
99. Knives, box cutters, etc., are stored securely when Meets Does Does
not in use. Not Not
Meet Apply
100. There is a cash control policy in place. Meets Does Does

Not Not
Meet Apply
101. The walk-in refrigerator is equipped with a Meets Does Does

safety handle on the inside. Not Not
Meet Apply
102. The kitchen is equipped with an “ABC Class” Meets Does Does
extinguisher and a “K-Class” fire extinguisher. Not Not
Meet Apply
103. Dining facility doors, to include all exterior Meets Does Does
doors and/or loading dock doors are kept secured Not Not
when not in use. Meet Apply
104. The dining facility is monitored during peak times Meets Does Does
by staff or security. (priority standard) Not Not
Meet Apply

38
RESTROOMS
105. Restrooms are monitored by staff Meets Does

regularly throughout the school day. (priority Not
standard) Meet
106. Restrooms have an architectural ‘labyrinth’ Meets Does

design which discourages undesirable activity and Not
allows for auditory observation. Meet
107. Restrooms are equipped with fixed ceiling Meets Does

panels or are of an acceptable height that a person Not
cannot easily conceal items above ceiling tiles (12 or Meet
more feet high).
108. Multi person restrooms have hand wash Meets Does

stations which are observable from a pubic area Not
(e.g. hallway). Meet
109. If not of a labyrinth design, multi person Meets Does Does

restrooms have door hardware which prevents Not Not
locking from the inside. Meet Apply
110. Single person restrooms have door hardware Meets Does Does
which can be unlocked from the outside with a Not Not
master key. Meet Apply

39
111. Graffiti is photographed, reported to law Meets Does

enforcement, and removed within 24 hours. Not
Meet
CLASSROOMS
112. Door window panels are made of tempered Meets Does

glass, shatter resistant glass, or have shatter Not
resistant window film applied. (priority standard) Meet
113. Door window panels are kept clear and Meets Does
unobstructed during normal activities. (priority Not
standard) Meet
114. Door window panels are capable of being Meets Does

covered during a lockdown. (priority standard) Not
Meet
115. Interior classroom windows are made of Meets Does

tempered glass, shatter resistant glass, or have Not
shatter resistant window film applied. (priority Meet
standard)
116. Interior classroom windows have blinds, shades, Meets Does Does
etc which are kept open during normal activities, but Not Not
can be temporarily closed as conditions warrant, such Meet Apply
as during a lockdown, etc. (priority standard)

40
117. All classroom doors are capable of being Meets Does

locked from the inside and meet the recommended Not
standards defined in the assessment guide. Meet
(priority standard)
118. All classroom doors are properly closed, Meets Does

latched, and locked while class is in session (i.e. Not
lock not bypassed, door not propped open, etc). Meet
(priority standard)
119. If used, all doors with secondary locking devices Meets Does Does
(SLD) and/or barricade devices (BD) can be readily Not Not
bypassed by emergency services from outside the Meet Apply
classroom through electronic or mechanical means.
(priority standard)
120. Hard Corners’ and/or other safe havens have Meets Does
been identified in every classroom, are clearly Not
marked, and are kept clear of debris, furniture, and Meet
other items that would hinder use. (priority
standard)
121. Unoccupied classrooms are kept secured. Meets Does Does

Not Not
Meet Apply
122. A positive inventory is kept of chemicals in use Meets Does Does

or used in science classes or laboratory areas. Not Not
123. Chemicals are properly stored in a designated, Meets Does Does

secure chemical storage. (priority standard) Not Not
Meet Apply

41
124. Flammable and corrosive chemicals are stored Meets Does Does
in appropriate containers and locations. (priority Not Not
125. Safety equipment (goggles, eyewash stations, Meets Does Does

showers, etc.) are easily accessible in the appropriate Not Not
classrooms (e.g. science room, workshops, etc). Meet Apply
126. Lab fume hoods are in good working order and Meets Does Does
vented directly to the outside. Not Not
Meet Apply
127. Teachers maintain a daily roster of student Meets Does

attendance for accountability during an evacuation. Not
128. Evacuation maps showing primary and Meets Does

secondary routes of egress are displayed in a visibly Not
apparent location. (priority standard) Meet
HIGH RISK CLASSROOMS AND AREAS
129. Areas at high risk for theft/loss (e.g., music Meets Does Does
room, computer lab) are equipped with high security Not Not
locks. Meet Apply

42
130. All medications are secured in double locked Meets Does Does
areas and syringes are secured in Sharps containers Not Not
at all times. Meet Apply
GYMNASIUM AND/OR AUDITORIUM
131. Locker rooms are monitored by staff. Meets Does Does

Not Not
Meet Apply
132. If the facility provides open access to the Meets Does Does
gymnasium and/or auditorium portion of the school, Not Not
there are lockable doors or other means to prevent Meet Apply
unauthorized access to the remainder of the school.
133. A designated individual is responsible for Meets Does Does

conducting a walk-through check and securing the Not Not
facility after use by after hours entities. Meet Apply
134. The gymnasium and auditorium can be locked Meets Does Does
from the inside in the event it is necessary to go into Not Not
lockdown when occupied. (priority standard) Meet Apply

43
FACILITY SYSTEMS
135. All custodial closets and mechanical rooms are Meets Does
kept locked and/or electronic access controls are Not
used to control and monitor access into these areas. Meet
136. Mechanical, electrical, and boiler rooms are free Meets Does
of combustible storage. Not
Meet
137. The space designated for all electrical Meets Does

equipment is kept free of storage of any non-related Not
materials. Meet
138. Restricted areas are clearly marked with Meets Does

appropriate signage. Not
Meet
139. All electrical panels are locked. Meets Does

Not
Meet
140. Old or unused chemicals have been properly Meets Does Does
disposed of rather than stored in the custodial closet. Not Not
Meet Apply

44
141. Electrical panels are easily accessed with at least Meets Does
three feet of clear space in front of the panel door. Not
Meet
142. Emergency and normal power distribution Meets Does

systems are at least 25 feet apart. Not
Meet
143. There are written procedures for the emergency Meets Does
shutdown or exhaust of air handling systems. Not
Meet
144. There is an emergency shut off and exhaust Meets Does

system for air handlers. Doors and dampers close in Not
order to seal the building. Meet
145. There are emergency procedures for shutdown, Meets Does

shelter in place, and evacuation if hazardous Not
materials are introduced into the building’s air Meet
intakes.
146. Building’s air intakes are placed on the building’s Meets Does
roof or at least 30 feet from the ground. Not
Meet
147. System controls and ventilation equipment are Meets Does

protected from unauthorized access. Not
Meet

45
148. Emergency generators and fuel access is Meets Does Does

restricted and are located at least 25 feet away from Not Not
any parking or occupied structures. Meet Apply
149. Facility water supply controls and service Meets Does

connections are secured with locks or other anti- Not
tamper devices. Meet
SECTION 4 - GENERAL
SECURITY PERSONNEL
150. There are school personnel designated as Meets Does

responsible for physical security, life safety, and Not
emergency procedures. Meet
151. Security personnel conduct interior and exterior Meets Does

roving patrols during normal business hours. Not
Meet
152. The security office is centrally located on Meets Does Does

campus and is easily identify-able. Not Not
Meet Apply

46
SECURITY SYSTEMS
153. There is a security system that monitors all Meets Does

entry/ exit doors and all windows within 16 feet of Not
the ground or other access point. Meet
154. There is a security system that has duress Meets Does

buttons located at critical areas throughout the Not
campus and in any other areas identified as high Meet
risk.
155. The security system is monitored by a security Meets Does Does

company, law enforcement, or campus security. Not Not
Meet Apply
156. The security system has a power failure back-up. Meets Does Does
Not Not
Meet Apply
157. Security system is tested at least annually. Meets Does Does

Not Not
Meet Apply
158. There is maintenance plan that ensures any Meets Does Does
critical component that becomes inoperable will be Not Not
replaced or repaired within 24 hours. Meet Apply

47
159. There is a local annunciation if the security Meets Does Does

system is activated. Not Not
Meet Apply
160. Security system controls, components, cabling, Meets Does Does

etc are protected from unauthorized access. Not Not
Meet Apply
SECURITY CAMERAS
161. Exterior security cameras are used to Meets Does

monitor recreational areas, athletic fields, and Not
other exterior areas where undesirable activity Meet
may occur.
162. Interior security cameras are used to Meets Does

monitor hallways, stairways, and other interior Not
areas where undesirable activity may occur. Meet
163. Security cameras are at all entry/exit points to Meets Does

the building. Not
Meet
164. Security cameras are used to monitor parking Meets Does

lots, vehicle entrances, and other potential access Not
points. (priority standard) Meet

48
165. The security cameras are recorded and available Meets Does
for easy play back. Not
Meet
166. The security cameras allow for ‘real time’ Meets Does
observation. (priority standard) Not
Meet
167. The security cameras are accessible via a remote Meets Does
viewing system (e.g. web-based, etc). (priority Not
standard) Meet
168. Law Enforcement can access the security Meets Does

cameras during an emergency response. (priority Not
standard) Meet
169. Security cameras have an emergency back-up Meets Does

power system for a minimum of 4 hours. Not
Meet
170. There is someone assigned the responsibility for Meets Does Does
access to the system, maintaining the system and Not Not
components, etc. Meet Apply
171. There are signs posted giving notice that Meets Does Does
security cameras are in use to prevent liability issues Not Not
arising from their presence and to act as a deterrent. Meet Apply

49
172. The controls, servers, and other critical system Meets Does Does
components are housed in a secured area. Not Not
Meet Apply
173. Access to this secured area is limited to Meets Does Does

authorized personnel only. Not Not
Meet Apply
174. All access to the camera system, either Meets Does Does
physically or virtually, is password protected so only Not Not
authorized personnel can access it. (priority Meet Apply
standard)
175. Persons authorized to access the camera system Meets Does Does
are assigned individual passwords in order to audit Not Not
access to the system as required. (priority standard) Meet Apply
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
176. There is a communication system that allows for Meets Does

notification to all persons inside the school. (priority Not
standard) Meet
177. Athletic facilities, outside, and inside common Meets Does

areas are equipped with a means of communication. Not

50
178. Communication systems are checked every six Meets Does

months. Not
Meet
179. There is a specific person identified by position Meets Does

in the emergency plan as being responsible for Not
checking the communication systems. Meet
KEY CONTROL
180. Authorized employees are issued keys, Meets Does Does

proximity cards, etc for building access. Not Not
Meet Apply
181. The school has a key control policy in place. Meets Does
(priority standard) Not
Meet
182. The school conducts an annual inventory of Meets Does

keys, proximity cards, etc. Not
Meet
183. A specific staff member is assigned to key Meets Does

control and is identified by position in the Not
emergency plan. Meet

51
184. The school has a Knox box or other secure box Meets Does
outside the school building where master keys are Not
located for use by first responders or has entered in Meet
an agreement to issue keys to local first responders.
(priority standard)
IDENTIFICATION BADGES
185. Students are issued student ID badges. Meets Does

Not
Meet
186. Students are required to display their student ID Meets Does

badge while on school property (age appropriate). Not
Employee ID badges are issued to all full- and part- Meet
time faculty and staff.
187. Employee ID badges are issued to all full- and Meets Does
part- time faculty and staff. Not
Meet
188. Faculty and staff are required to display their Meets Does
employee ID badge while on school property Not
Meet
189. There are policies for the immediate reporting Meets Does
of lost or stolen employee ID badges. Not
Meet

52
RECORD SECURITY
190. Computers containing students’ personal Meets Does

information are password protected when not in use. Not
191. Physical files are stored in locked file cabinets Meets Does
that are secured from unauthorized access and from Not
common view. (priority standard) Meet
192. The school has a policy addressing the Meets Does

information, use, and security of student records. Not
Meet
193. The school has a policy addressing the disposal Meets Does
of student records to include physical and electronic Not
files. Meet
194. School personnel are trained on record security Meets Does

policies and procedures. Not
Meet
SECURITY PLANS, PROTOCOLS, AND PROCEDURES
195. There is a written facility emergency Meets Does

operations plan (EOP) that identifies security Not
responsibilities, emergency contacts, response Meet
procedures for incidents, etc. (priority standard)

53
196. Emergency operations and response training Meets Does

and drills are conducted regularly. (priority Not
standard) Meet
197. The EOP is available to all staff in the event of Meets Does
an emergency and has been provided to the Not
appropriate First Responder agencies. (priority Meet
standard)
198. All school employees are provided annual Meets Does

security awareness training. (priority standard) Not
Meet
199. There are procedures for managing Meets Does

suspicious item incidents; such as bags, Not
packages, mail, etc. Meet
200. A construction security plan is implemented Meets Does

during any renovation or construction at the school. Not
Meet
201. CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Meets Does

Environmental Design) trained officers or planners Not
consulted prior to any new construction or major Meet
remodeling projects. (priority standard)

54
CRISIS INTERVENTION AND INCIDENT REPORTING
202. Curricula and programs aimed at preventing Meets Does

harmful behaviors have been implemented (e.g. Not
social problem solving, bullying, mentoring Meet
programs, character education, etc). (priority
standard)
203. There is a well-developed network of service Meets Does

providers that students can be referred to (e.g. Not
mental health services, etc). (priority standard) Meet
204. It is mandatory for staff to report all incidents Meets Does

of violence and/or the threat of violence Not
immediately to the school administration and law Meet
enforcement/ security. (priority standard)
205. There are clearly communicated procedures for Meets Does

staff and students for reporting incidents, Not
threatening or potentially threatening situations. Meet
(priority standard)
206. There is a school level threat assessment Meets Does

team established with external resources available Not
on-call, as needed. (priority standard) Meet
207. The school has a process for assessing threats Meets Does
and the process is clearly communicated to staff. Not

55
56
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