Study: School Security Has Room for Improvement

CARMEL, Ind.

Schools across the United States are generally doing a “decent job” of maintaining security in a time of strained budgets although much more could be done, according to new research by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

Conducted in conjunction with Ingersoll Rand (IR) Security Technologies and consulting firm RETA Security Inc., the 2008 National School Safety Study found that K-12 campuses would be able to enhance security with little to no impact on their already challenged budgets.

For example, while two-thirds of all responding districts lock public entrances to buildings, one-third reported that exterior doors are occasionally or often propped open. The study also notes that almost 60 percent of school buildings have no “panic” exit devices installed in strategic locations, which is a potential violation of fire/life-safety codes.

The study is based on the Risk Mitigation Assessment, a survey instrument created by (IR) Security Technologies and RETA, which identifies potential threats and determines action items to ensure the security of school systems.

“Our Risk Mitigation Assessment is an excellent example of the ways public-private partnerships can be used for the common good,” says Beverly Vigue, vice president of the IR’s education solutions group. “This study shows the tremendous value in getting the most accurate pulse on trends in school security in order to remain at the forefront in developing truly effective solutions that keep learning environments safe and productive.”

To download a copy of the full report,

For additional information, click here.

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