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SCHOOL SAFETY and SECURITY CHECKLIST
School District:
Campus:
Building:
Team members:
Date:
Team leader signature:
Instructions: This checklist is designed to help evaluate the safety and security of your school. The best way
to use it is to form teams to conduct the survey at locations other than their own to keep observations neutral
and objective. Each survey team should ensure that local law and fire personnel are invited to help with the
evaluations and planning. Audit Team members should review the following documents and materials,
preferably in advance of the on-site visit:
1. Student / Staff Code of Conduct
2. Data on Student Discipline Referrals
3. Criminal Data (reported by the school and by the surrounding community)
4. Blueprint of the school
5. Crisis Management Plan
The checklist does not take the place of crisis management plans or emergency plans but supports the testing
and adequacy of these plans. Standards set by Alaska law under AS 14.33.100 must be met and followed
where they may conflict with the items on the checklist. School safety and security requires policies and
procedures for management of disciplinary issues and dangerous students as outlined in AS 14.33.110.
You can contact Michael Lary, your APEI Loss Control Coordinator, if you have questions or need assistance
mlary@akpei.com 1-877-586-2734
SCHOOL EXTERIOR AND PLAY AREAS
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
1. School grounds are fenced.
2. What kind?
3. If yes, approximate height (Security fencing should meet
zoning and code standards. Best height prevents
unauthorized entry and is 6-8 ft tall with a turned top to
restrict scaling) Are gates secured by locks?
4. There is one clearly marked and designated entrance for
visitors
5. Signs are posted for visitors to report to main office
through a designated entrance.
6. Restricted areas are clearly marked
7. Shrubs and foliage are trimmed to allow for good line of
sight. (3'-0"/8'-0" rule)
8. All poisonous shrubs, trees, and foliage have been
removed.
9. Shrubs near building have been trimmed "up" to allow
view of bottom of building
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10. Bus loading and drop-off zones are clearly defined.
11. Access to bus loading area is restricted to other vehicles
during loading/unloading.
12. Staff is assigned to bus loading/drop off areas.
13. There is a schedule for maintenance of:
a. Outside lights
b. Locks/Hardware
c. Storage Sheds
d. Windows
e. Other exterior buildings
14. Parent drop-off and pick-up area is clearly defined.
Speed bumps are in place to restrict vehicle speeds.
15. There is adequate lighting around the building.
16. Lighting is provided at entrances and points of possible
intrusion.
17. The school ground is free from trash or debris.
18. The school is free of graffiti.
19. Play areas are fenced. Visual surveillance of playground
areas is possible from a single point.
20. Playground equipment has tamper-proof fasteners
21. Visual surveillance of bicycle racks is possible.
22. Visual surveillance of parking lots from main office is
possible
23. Parking lot is lighted properly and all lights are
functioning
24. Accessible light lenses are protected by some
unbreakable material
25. All areas of school buildings and grounds are accessible
to patrolling security vehicles.
26. Driver education vehicles are secure.
27. Students/Staff are issued parking stickers for assigned
parking areas
28. Student access to parking area is restricted to arrival
and dismissal times.
29. Staff and visitor parking has been designated
30. Outside hardware has been removed from all doors
except at points of entry.
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31. Ground floor windows:
a. no broken panes,
b. locking hardware in working order
32. Basement windows are protected with grill or well cover.
33. Doors are locked when classrooms are vacant.
34. High-risk areas are protected by high security locks and
an alarm system
a. Main office
b. Cafeteria
c. Computer Labs
d. Industrial Arts rooms
e. Science labs
f. Nurses Office
g. Boiler Room
h. Electrical Rooms
i. Phone line access closet
35. Unused areas of the school can be closed off during
after school activities.
36. There is two-way communication between the main
office and:
a. Classroom (each classroom has a phone or direct
intercom connection)
b. Duty stations
c. Re-locatable classrooms
d. Staff and faculty outside building (all locations
have communications)
e. Buses
37. Students are restricted from loitering in corridors,
hallways, and restrooms.
38. "Restricted" areas are properly identified.
39. There are written policies restricting student access to
school grounds and buildings.
40.
SCHOOL INTERIOR
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
41. There is a central alarm system in the school. If yes,
briefly describe:
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42. The main entrance is visible from the main office.
43. There is only one clearly marked and designated
entrance for visitors.
44. Multiple entries to the building are controlled and
supervised.
45. Administrative staff maintain a highly visible profile
46. Signage directing visitors to the main office are clearly
posted
47. Visitors are required to sign in.
48. Visitors are issued I.D. cards or badges.
49. Proper identification is required of vendors, repairmen.
50. All staff - Full and part-time staff are issued ID cards that
are worn in a manner that is visible at all times
51. The following areas are properly lighted:
a. Hallways
b. Bathrooms
c. Stairwells
52. Hallways and Bathrooms are supervised by staff.
53. The bathroom walls are free of graffiti.
54. Doors accessing internal courtyards are securely locked
from the inside
55. Exit signs are clearly visible and pointing in the correct
direction.
56. Switches and controls are properly located and
protected.
57. Access to electrical panels is restricted.
58. Directional lights are aimed at the building.
59. School files and records are maintained in locked,
vandal proof, fireproof containers or vaults.
60. The school maintains a record of all maintenance on
doors, windows, lockers, or other areas of the school.
61. If a classroom is vacant, students are restricted from
entering the room alone.
62. Friends, relatives or non-custodial parents are required
to have written permission to pick up a student from
school.
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63. Students are required to have written permission to
leave school during school hours.
64. Full and part-time staff, including bus drivers, are issued
I.D. cards or other identification.
65. There are written policies regarding access and control
of school personnel using the building after school
hours.
66. Staff members who remain after school hours are
required to sign out.
67. Faculty members are required to lock classrooms upon
leaving.
68. One person is designated to perform the following
security checks at the end of day:
a. That all classrooms and offices are empty and
locked
b. All restrooms are empty
c. All locker rooms are empty
d. Check all exterior entrances are locked
e. Check all night lights are working
f. Check the alarm system
69. The telephone numbers of the principal or other
designated contact person are provided to the police
department so the police can make contact in the event
of a suspicious or emergency situation.
70. Law enforcement personnel and/or community residents
monitor school grounds after school hours.
71. All school equipment is permanently marked with an
Identification Number.
72. An up-to-date inventory is maintained for all expendable
school supplies.
73. Secure storage is available for valuable items
a. During school hours
b. After school
74. There is a policy for handling cash received at the
school.
75. There is regular maintenance and/or testing of the entire
security alarm system at least every six months.
76. Are classrooms numbered with reflective material:
a. Over door
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b. On bottom of door
c. On an exterior window (Visible to Emergency
Responders)
77. Has consideration been given to replacing interior doors
with large windows to doors with small windows
78. Has consideration been given to replacing present
classroom locks with locks that can be activated from
the inside
79. Does the P.A. system work properly
a. Can it be accessed from several areas in the
school
b. Can it be heard, and understood, outside
80. Has consideration been given to establishing a greeters
window inside first set of exterior doors (must be
manned at all time)
81. Are convex mirrors used to see around corners in
hallways
82. Are convex mirrors used to see up and down stairwells
83. Do all exterior doors have signs requiring visitors to
report to the main office to sign in and obtain I.D.
84. Has consideration been given to installing Proximity
Readers on certain exterior doors
85. Has consideration been given to installing strobe lights
or flashing lights on exterior of building to warn staff and
students outside of problems
86. How do you communicate during emergencies
a. Two way radios
b. Cell phones
c. Pagers
d. Other
87. Who is issued two way radios
a. Administrators
b. Custodians
c. Members of the Emergency Response Team
d. Other
88. There is a control system in place to monitor keys and
duplicates.
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89. Exterior light fixtures are securely mounted.
90. Mechanical rooms and hazardous storage areas are
locked.
91. Fire drills are conducted as required by law
92. A record of health permits is maintained.
93. A record of Fire Inspection by the local or state Fire
Officer is maintained.
DEVELOPMENT / ENFORCEMENT OF POLICIES
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
94. The Student Conduct Policy is reviewed and updated
annually.
95. A visitor policy is in effect, requiring a sign-in procedure
for all visitors, including visible identification. All staff are
trained to challenge any visitor without identification.
96. The school has a Crisis Management Plan in effect that
is reviewed and updated annually.
97. The Incident Command System is an integral part of the
Safety Plan.
98. A chain-of-command has been established for the
school when the principal and/or other administrators
are away from the building.
99. The school has implemented pro-active security
measures on campus, at school-sponsored activities,
and on all school property (i.e., school buses).
100. Disciplinary consequences for infractions to the
Code of Conduct are fairly and consistently enforced.
101. Alternatives to suspensions and expulsions have
been built into the discipline policy and are consistently
used.
102. Behavioral expectations and consequences for
violations are clearly outlined in the Code of Conduct,
including sanctions for weapon and drug offenses and
all other criminal acts.
103. Parents are an integral part of the schools safety
planning and policy making.
104. Parents are an integral part of students discipline
procedures and actions.
105. The policy provides a system(s) whereby staff and
students may report problems or incidents anonymously.
106. Specific policies and/or procedures are in place that
detail staff members’ responsibilities for monitoring and
supervising students outside the classroom, such as in
hallways, cafeteria, rest rooms, etc.
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107. The school has implemented and communicated a
pro-active policy regarding parental actions during
sporting events.
PROCEDURES FOR DATA COLLECTION
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
108. All Violations of state and federal law are reported to
law enforcement.
109. An incident reporting procedure for disruptive and
violent students and incidents has been established in
accordance with the AK Legislation requirements.
110. Records or data have been established and are
analyzed to identify recurring problems.
111. Accident reports are filed when a student is injured
on school property or during school-related activities.
112. The incident reporting system is reviewed and
updated annually.
INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION PLANS
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
113. Students have access to conflict resolution
programs.
114. Students are assisted in developing anger
management skills.
115. Diversity awareness is emphasized.
116. Programs are available for students who are
academically at-risk.
117. Students may seek help without the loss of
confidentiality.
118. Students and parents are aware of community
resources.
119. Students and staff are aware of bullying
consequences and programs are in place to prevent
verbal, physical, and non-physical bullying such as
emails, threats, and exclusion.
120. Character education is taught as part of the
curriculum.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
121. Administrators and staff (including security and law
enforcement personnel) are trained in conflict resolution
methods.
122. Administrators and staff (including security and law
enforcement personnel) are trained in implementation of
the Crisis Management Plan and have the training
updated annually.
123. Administrators and staff are trained in personal
safety.
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124. School security officers (NOT law enforcement)
receive in-service training for their responsibilities.
125. School Resource Officers (law enforcement) receive
in-service training for their responsibilities.
126. School volunteers receive training to perform their
duties.
127. Teachers and staff are made aware of their legal
responsibilities for the enforcement of safety rules,
policies, and state and federal laws.
128. School safety and violence prevention information is
regularly provided as part staff development plan.
129. Staff development opportunities extend to support
staff, including cafeteria workers, custodial staff,
secretarial staff, and bus drivers.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
130. Students are represented on the School Safety
Team.
131. The school provides opportunities for student
leadership related to violence prevention and safety
issues.
132. The school provides adequate recognition
opportunities for all students.
133. Students are adequately instructed in their
responsibility to avoid becoming victims of violence (i.e.,
by avoiding high-risk situations)
LEVEL OF PARENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
134. The community supports the school’s programs and
activities that teach safety and non-violence.
135. School activities, services, and curricula reflect the
characteristics of the students and the community.
136. School safety planning reflects the neighborhood,
including crime and hazardous conditions.
137. Parents are an integral part of the school’s safety
planning and policymaking.
138. Parents are aware of behavioral expectations and
are informed of changes in a timely manner.
139. Local businesses and other community groups are
involved in the school’s safety planning.
ROLE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
140. Incidents of crime that occur on school property or at
school-related events are reported to law enforcement.
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141. Law Enforcement is consulted on matters that may
fall below the threshold of criminal activity.
142. Law enforcement personnel are an integral part of
the school’s safety planning process. Law enforcement
and fire departments have complete current campus
maps, floor plans and diagrams showing the location
and use of all rooms and critical materials such as
chemicals and utility shut-off. Police and fire
departments have had tours of the buildings and
opportunities to familiarize themselves with the campus.
143. The school has developed an effective partnership
with local law enforcement.
144. The school and local law enforcement have
developed a written agreement of understanding,
defining the roles and responsibilities of both.
145. Law enforcement personnel provide a visible
presence on campus during school hours and at school-
related events.
146. Local law enforcement provides after hours patrols
of the school site.
DEVELOPMENT OF A CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
147. The school has a Crisis Management Plan.
a. Reviewed on an annual basis
b. Plan developed by the building safety team and
reviewed by management.
c. Team membership is open to all employees and
student representatives
148. The school has established a well-coordinated
emergency plan with law enforcement and other crisis
response agencies.
149. Categories listed in the plan should include, but may
not be limited to, the following:
a. Natural Disasters
b. Accidents
c. Acts of Violence
d. Death
e. Loss of power
f. Fire
g. Earthquake
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150. The following components of the Crisis Management
Plan are practiced on a quarterly basis
a. Lockdown
b. Lockout
c. Shelter in place
d. Evacuation of Building (can be done on a semi-
annual basis)
STANDARDS FOR SECURITY PERSONNEL
YES
NO
IMPLEMENT
IMPROVE
151. This school does employ security personnel.
152. Pre-employment background checks are conducted
for security personnel.
153. School security personnel meet a standard for
training and qualifications as mandated in AK.
154. Security personnel have clearly defined roles and
responsibilities.
155. Security personnel are involved in the school’s safe
school planning process.
156. Security personnel are knowledgeable about youth
service providers, both in and out of the school.
While one size does not fit all the basic concepts identified by this checklist are important to provide a safe and
secure school environment. The completed checklist will provide you with a snapshot of the state of your school
with regards to basic safety and security. The checklist should be completed periodically, at least every three
years to help keep abreast of conditions and reported to the School Board. Annually the checklist should be
reviewed and action items status reported to the School Board.
This checklist is built upon work by the New York State Police and the Virginia State Education Department.
