Security of School Premises

7440 SECURITY OF SCHOOL PREMISES (M)

 

The Board of Education believes the buildings and facilities of the school district represent a substantial community investment.  The Board directs the development and implementation of a plan for school district security to protect the school community’s investment in the school buildings and facilities.  The Board will comply with the security measures required in N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5.2 for new school construction and for existing school buildings.

 

The school district security program will include:  maintenance of facilities that are secure against unwelcome intrusion; protection against fire hazards and faulty equipment; and compliance with safe practices in the use of electrical, plumbing, heating, and other school building equipment.

 

The Board shall provide to local law enforcement authorities a copy of the current blueprints and maps for all schools and school grounds within the school district or nonpublic school.  In the case of a school building located in a municipality in which there is no municipal police department, a copy of the blueprints and maps shall be provided to an entity designated by the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.  The Board shall provide revised copies to the applicable law enforcement authorities or designated entities any time that there is a change to the blueprints or maps.

 

The Board directs close cooperation of district officials with law enforcement, fire officials, and other emergency agencies.

 

Each public elementary and secondary school building shall be equipped with at least one panic alarm for use in a school security emergency pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:41-10 through 13. 

 

The Superintendent of Schools shall designate a school administrator, or a school employee with expertise in school safety and security, as a School Safety Specialist for the district in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-43.3.  The School Safety Specialist shall be required to acquire a New Jersey Department of Education School Safety Specialist certification in accordance with the provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:17-43.2.  The School Safety Specialist shall also serve as the school district’s liaison with local law enforcement and national, State, and community agencies and organizations in matters of school safety and security. 

 

Access to school buildings and grounds outside the hours school is in session shall be limited to personnel whose employment requires their presence in the facility.  An adequate key control system will be established to limit building access to authorized personnel and guard against the potential of intrusion by unauthorized persons who have obtained access improperly.

 

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5.2.b.(15), propping open doors to buildings on school grounds is strictly prohibited and students and staff shall not open a door for any individual.  All persons seeking entry into the main building shall be directed to the main entrance. 

 

Building records and funds shall be kept in a safe place and secured as appropriate and necessary.

 

Protective devices designed to be used as safeguards against illegal entry and vandalism may be installed when appropriate.  The Board may approve the employment of school resource officers, school security officers, and/or law enforcement officers in situations in which special risks are involved.

 

 

N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5.2; 18A:17-43.1;

18A:17-43.2; 18A:17-43.3;

18A:41-7.1; 18A:41-10; 18A:41-11;

18A:41-12; 18A:41-13

N.J.A.C. 6A:16-1.3; 6A:26-1.2

 

 

Revised:  30 July 2020

Revised:  25 July 2019

Adopted:  26 July 2005