National Crime Prevention Council Promotes School Safety

WASHINGTON, March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- School safety is a growing concern, most recently with the Parkland, FL shooting. Schools and communities across the country are dealing with how to approach these tragic situations. Becoming informed about risky behaviors and what to do with that information is key for students, parents, and teachers. Since the 1999 Columbine shooting there have been at least 200 shootings on school campuses. Shooting drills are as commonplace as fire drills. Law enforcement and school officials are more intertwined than ever.

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) provides tools to promote school safety. Our Be Safe and Sound in School program: 

• Raises awareness about the elements of school safety and security
• Mobilizes school administrators, parents, students, staff, law enforcement, elected officials, businesses, and community members
• Facilitates the development and monitoring of school-specific strategic plans

It is critical that all stakeholders be engaged in the identification of problem areas, assessment of school needs, and the development and implementation of solutions.

Be Safe and Sound in School is a comprehensive approach to school safety. It addresses problems by evaluating physical conditions such as lights, locks, alarms, and cameras, as well as cultural and social variables such as bullying, violence, and vandalism that may promote an unsafe environment. The steps in the program are:

1. Form an action team
2. Identify safety and security problems
3. Hold a school safety and security forum
4. Develop an action plan
5. Publicize your initiative
6. Advocate for your cause
7. Evaluate success and revise the plan

"The safety of our children is vital. Unfortunately, every tragic shooting frightens students making it harder for them to learn." NCPC's President, Ann Harkins continues, "Be Safe and Sound engages communities in reducing the opportunities for tragedy to occur."

About The National Crime Prevention Council
The National Crime Prevention Council is the nation's nonprofit leader in crime prevention. Since 1980, our recognizable icon McGruff the Crime Dog^® has delivered easy to use crime prevention tips that empower citizens individually and collectively to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime. With a vast network of local and state law enforcement agencies, local community groups, foundations, and corporate partners, NCPC makes an impact on personal safety and crime every day. For more information on how to "Take A Bite Out of Crime^®," visit www.ncpc.org. 

SOURCE National Crime Prevention Council

Related Links

http://www.ncpc.org/