‘How Safe Is Your Campus?’ Survey Results: K-12 Schools and Districts

Although school police and security's relationships with outside agencies are well developed, a lack staffing and weapons poses challenges.

Published: November 15, 2010Author: Robin Hattersley

Note: This is the final installment of exclusive research featured in the Campus Safety Yearbook. Results for universities and hospital campuses, as well as technology and officer salaries were previously released on CampusSafetyMagazine.com earlier this month.

Nearly nine out of 10 (88 percent) K-12 respondents to the Campus Safety “How Safe Is Your Campus?” survey have confidence in their relationships with other jurisdictions, as well as their departments’ and institutions’ ability to respond to an active shooter or active bomber. Reduced staffing levels and a lack of appropriate weapons, however, are thorns in the sides of K-12 public safety officials.

More than a third of school respondents disagree somewhat or strongly with the statements “My department has enough staff to respond appropriately to incidents,” and “My department has enough and the right type of lethal and less lethal weapons to appropriately respond to an incident” (36 percent and 34 percent respectively).

Like universities and hospitals, K-12 officer training is believed to be inadequate by a significant minority of K-12 respondents.

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K-12 School Security Officials Have Enough Authority

Safety and security resources and funding continue to be a challenge for K-12 schools. More than one in four (28 percent) do not believe their institution dedicates enough money, resources and personnel to campus protection. Half expect that the amount of money and resources dedicated to school safety and security will decrease in 2011. That said, more than half (58 percent) agree somewhat or strongly that they are receiving enough resources. Additionally, 86 percent say they have enough authority to do their jobs well.

School Emergency Management Programs Get High Marks

For the most part, K-12 respondents say they are very happy with the emergency management aspects of their institution’s safety programs. More than four in five (86 percent) strongly or somewhat agree with the statements “My institution has appropriate emergency/crisis plans that are up to date,” and “My campus is adequately prepared for a weather emergency or natural disaster.”

The one weakness, if you can call it that, is hazmat preparedness: 17 percent indicate some dissatisfaction with it.

View the “How Safe Is Your Campus” Survey Results: K-12 Schools and Districts.

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