Definition: A staff member or student has been assaulted and/or robbed on the school grounds, in the school building or at a school event.

Prevention Strategies

     Because of the concern for personal safety issues, the crisis team at each building should develop plans to reduce the potential for injury, theft or robbery of staff members and students.
     The plan must strive to make each building as secure as possible within the constraints of the building structure and staff limitations. The plan may include but should not be limited to the following suggestions:

1. Each school building should be secured as much as is possible during the school day.
2. Be aware of surroundings when arriving and leaving the building. Observe if suspicious cars or persons are present. Report suspicious persons to the principal immediately.
3. Use the "buddy" system. Arrange to enter or leave the building accompanied by another person.
4. The last person to leave the building should ask the custodian or security officer to accompany them to the car.
5. Designate an entrance to be used by all staff members to enter and leave the building. Someone should be assigned to observe the designated entrance during normal arrival and departure times.
6. When going to your locked car, observe shrubbery, trees and nearby cars which may conceal someone hiding. Have your key ready to unlock the car but also observe the back seat and floor to be sure that no one is hiding inside.
7. Valuables, including purses, should not be left in unlocked classrooms, closets or desks.
8. Valuable items in your car should be out of sight and preferably locked in the trunk.
9. Purses should be carried close to the body. Shoulder bags should be carried over one shoulder across the body.

Response Procedures

1. When an incident occurs, notify
   • Police department
   • School security
   • Superintendent's Office
2. In the event of an injury, call 911. First aid procedures should be begun as quickly as possible.
3. Gather information from those who may have witnessed the incident.
4. Prepare a brief factual statement to be used to inform staff members of the incident.
5. If the incident warrants media coverage, call the Director of Public Information for advice and assistance.

Other Considerations

     When the crisis team has developed strategies to be used in a building, those personal safety precautions must be shared with and followed by all staff members.