In today’s world, safeguarding our children in schools is necessary. Parents rightfully expect their children’s safety while they learn. Unfortunately, the ever-present threats necessitate sometimes stringent security measures, especially in preparing for potential emergencies like active-shooter incidents.
At Rebel Security, we leave no room for compromise. Our Security Guards are trained in the “General Response Protocol” (GRP), a formidable tool endorsed by many NYC Charter Schools and crafted by the New York City Department of Education to ensure the safety of all school occupants.
In the face of an emergency, there’s no time for uncertainty. Clarity and actions are crucial, and the GRP provides a clear path. It guides School Administration to immediately contact 911 and make vital decisions – lockdown, shelter-in-place, or evacuate, based on the threat at hand.
Security Guards: The Pillars of Emergency Response
Security guards are the eyes and ears of our schools, ready to protect students, staff, and the entire school community in the face of potential threats by knowing what to do when it matters most. Their role within the General Response Protocol (GRP) can’t be overstated.
Security guards are the first line of defense when an emergency strikes. They are trained to maintain composure under pressure and swiftly take action.
A Rebel Security Guard’s responsibilities include:
- Immediate Threat Assessment: Security guards are trained to assess threats quickly and accurately. They gauge the situation and confer with Administration whether it warrants a lockdown, shelter-in-place, or evacuation.
- Guiding and Protecting: In lockdown situations, our security guards take charge, guiding students and staff to secure locations within the school, or to designated muster point(s) outside of the school. They ensure that everyone remains calm and follows protocol.
- Communication: Clear and concise communication is essential during emergencies. Security guards play an important role in relaying vital information to both school administrators and law enforcement. Their ability to communicate effectively during times of stress can make all the difference in an evolving crisis.
- Coordination: Security guards coordinate with school administrators, local law enforcement, and first responders to ensure a seamless response. Their role is central to the effectiveness of the entire emergency response team.
Lockdowns: A Definitive Approach
In a school security context, lockdowns are an approach to handling imminent threats. They are categorized into two types:
- Soft Lockdown: A Soft Lockdown is implemented when there is no imminent danger to most building occupants. Security guards report to designated areas for further instructions, ensuring readiness without causing undue panic.
- Hard Lockdown: A Hard Lockdown is declared when there is an imminent danger that necessitates action by all building occupants, including security guards. It involves the well-known run/hide/fight protocol, a vital component of active shooter emergency preparedness.
In any lockdown situation, security guards are trained to guide students and teachers effectively. Their responsibilities include locking classroom doors, turning off lights, moving occupants out of sight, and maintaining silence until the lockdown is lifted or first responders arrive.
Security Guards in Action During Lockdowns
During a lockdown, security guards spring into action to ensure the well-being of students and staff:
- Immediate Response: Security guards act swiftly to initiate lockdown procedures. They provide clear and authoritative instructions to guide occupants to safety.
- Student and Staff Protection: The safety of students and staff is paramount. Security guards ensure that classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, and occupants remain out of sight. They maintain a calm and reassuring presence throughout the ordeal.
- Effective Communication: Security guards communicate with school administrators and law enforcement, relaying critical information about the situation. Their ability to provide real-time updates is essential for informed decision-making.
- Coordination: Security guards coordinate with school staff, law enforcement, and first responders to ensure a cohesive response. Their role is pivotal in maintaining order and helping guide everyone to follow established protocols.