In response, ASIS International, an international community of security professionals, has crafted a security standard for U.S. schools. Described in a recent news release, the framework was developed with and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), a nonprofit that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards in processes and systems across the U.S., and focuses on establishing a comprehensive, sustainable security program for schools.
The standard is intended to mitigate inconsistent school security regulations across both domestic and international borders that have left schools at risk of a slew of threats, the initiative’s website said.
“While there are no simple solutions for creating completely secure educational environments, this standard was specifically designed to help schools systematically assess and address their unique risks," said Jeffrey Slotnick, co-chair of the ASIS School Security Standard Technical Committee, in a public statement.
Physical security, behavioral management (BTAM) and emergency operations planning (EOP) are central pillars of the initiative. The standard’s three-pronged approach to school security includes:
- Physical protection systems that use tech infrastructure and operational strategies to create layered, adaptable security
- Behavioral management programs that focus on early intervention, coordination among staff and evidence-based threat management
- Emergency operations planning that includes response drills, communication protocols and post-crisis recovery measures
The framework's executive summary calls for leadership commitment, multidisciplinary collaboration and continuous improvement in building a culture of safety. It encourages schools to prioritize risk-based planning, stakeholder engagement and compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.
