Keeping School Functions Safe

As we've seen in the most recent shooting at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, school shootings can take place just about any time and any place on campus. Wherever students congregate, school administrators should be aware of potential dangers. School functions—athletic events, school plays and other student performances—can be vulnerable targets.

Athletic Events. At the high school and college level, emotions and competitive spirit at athletic events can run high. Those emotions (especially if fueled by alcohol or drugs) can quickly trigger bad behavior. This is where an independent security guard company for athletic school events can keep matters under control.

Other School Functions. While a band concert or school play may not generate the same raw emotions of an athletic event, security precautions should still be in place. These are considered soft targets—where acts of violence are not on the radar.

Security Planning. Advanced security planning for school functions is a must. School athletic events attract attendees from both competing schools. Adequate security guard staffing will help ensure the tough play on the field or on the basketball court doesn’t spill into the crowd.

Part of the preparation would include placing event security guards near ticket booths, at entrances (where guards can check attendees’ bags and other personal items), in parking lots, near restrooms and concessions and, for sporting events, in the stands. From these locations, security guards can monitor crowds and spot misconduct. School function security guard companies, such as Access Control Security, equip their guards with communication devices so they can quickly alert each other and school event staff of anything suspicious.

If an emergency occurs, event attendees typically turn to uniformed security guards for guidance. School administrators and the event security guard company must work together on emergency exit planning and attendee safety procedures.

For more safety tips, go to Access Control Security.