ASIS Opens Public Comment Period (26 July – 9 September)
The ASIS International School Security Standard, a proposed American National Standard approved by American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is set to transform how educational institutions approach security. As the first comprehensive standard of its kind, it will provide schools with a crucial measuring stick for assessing and improving their safety measures. This standard is expected to cover a wide range of issues, from basic security practices maximizing preventive measures, how schools can ensure that student needs as it relates to behavioral issues are being dealt with, prompting schools to critically evaluate their current safety posture and address potential vulnerabilities.
By establishing a clear framework for school safety, the ASIS standard will encourage proactive risk assessment and management. It will motivate schools to conduct baseline security evaluations and implement necessary improvements.
To address common inquiries and provide clarity, we have compiled the following list of things you should know about our forthcoming standard.
School security has become a paramount concern across the United States and globally. Despite numerous tools and resources available, there has been no universally accepted standard to guide educational institutions in creating secure environments. Recognizing this critical gap, ASIS International has initiated the development of what will be the first American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved school security standard. This comprehensive effort aims to unify and elevate the practices of school security, ensuring the safety of students, educators, and staff.
The development of the new school security standard by ASIS International marks a significant step forward in addressing the pressing need for consistent, industry-based security practices in educational institutions. This initiative not only underscores the importance of school safety but also exemplifies how collaboration and expertise can drive meaningful change in protecting our schools.
As part of this process, ASIS International will initiate an ANSI 45-day public comment period for the draft of the standard (26 July-9 September)
Why Was This Initiative Started?
Currently, there is a lack of consistency in school security regulations across different states and countries. While various laws and guidelines exist, they are often not based on industry best practices. This inconsistency can leave schools vulnerable to a range of security threats. ASIS International, an ANSI Accredited Standards Development Organization (SDO), is poised to fill this void by developing a robust, universally accepted standard.
Who is Developing the Standard?
ASIS International, a global community of security practitioners, is leading this initiative. Known for its expertise and dedication to advancing security practices, ASIS is well-positioned to address the complex challenges of school security. This effort is not just a project but a mission to create a safer educational environment for everyone involved.
The ASIS School Security Standard was developed by 50+ industry experts and reflects a multi-hazard and disciplinary approach from a variety of professions including school administration, security, architectural design, mental health, behavioral threat assessment, facilities management, life safety, emergency management, law enforcement, crisis communications, business continuity, and legal.
The Importance of an ANSI-Approved Standard
The new school security standard is set to be the first ANSI standard of its kind. Developing an ANSI standard signifies that the document has been developed through a rigorous, consensus-based process involving a wide range of stakeholders. The process ensures that the standard is comprehensive, practical, and grounded in the latest security expertise and research.
How Are Standards and Guidelines Developed?
ASIS International employs a meticulous process to develop its standards and guidelines, under ANSI accreditation requirements. The development is overseen by the ASIS Professional Standards Board, which ensures that the standards meet the needs of security professionals and adhere to ANSI Essential Requirements and ASIS Standards Development Procedures.
The process involves forming Technical Committees (TCs) comprising subject matter experts from various sectors, including government agencies, educational institutions, private companies, and individual professionals. These committees are balanced among interest categories to maintain an open, impartial, and transparent process. Consensus is a cornerstone of this process, achieved when substantial agreement has been reached, all views have been considered, and efforts have been made to resolve any differences.
What Makes This Standard Unique?
This new standard will be the first to integrate the collective knowledge and experience of a global community of security practitioners into an ANSI-approved framework. It will offer clear direction and best practices for schools to implement effective security measures, addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by educational institutions.
The standard offers a sector-specific approach tailored for educational settings, applicable to all schools regardless of size or location. It emphasizes a risk-based methodology, encouraging institutions to understand their unique environments. While establishing minimum security requirements, the standard remains flexible, providing guidance without prescribing specific implementation methods. This approach allows schools to customize their security measures – tailored to their needs and considering resources while ensuring comprehensive protection.
What Are the Key Pillars to This Standard?
This standard is focused on the importance of establishing an overall security program and building comprehensive security program that includes the tenants of physical security, behavioral threat assessment management (BTAM), and emergency operations planning (EOP).
The Impact on School Safety
The implementation of this standard is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of school security practices. By providing a clear, consensus-based framework, schools can adopt measures that are not only effective but also aligned with the best practices recognized globally. This standard will help schools establish a consistent approach to creating safer educational environments, ensuring that schools are better prepared to protect students, staff, and visitors.
How Can You Obtain a Draft of the School Security for Review During the Public Comment Period?
Please visit https://store.asisonline.org/draft-for-review-school-security-standard.html
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