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Security Assessment

Facility Assessment Checklist

As you begin the process of assessing the potential threat of a violent incident at your institution, here are some questions to consider:

Exterior/Parking Areas

  • Is there signage posted at driveway entrances stating that video surveillance is in use (only if video surveillance is actually in use)?
  • Is there signage posted about a “no weapons” policy (if applicable)?
  • Are the parking areas well lit, with good visibility from the facility?
  • Have you identified security volunteers, professional security, or contracted law enforcement officers (LEO) to perform visible patrol of facility and grounds when needed?
  • Is signage present directing visitors to a main entrance or reception area?
  • Have you requested that local law enforcement officers conduct a routine patrol of the grounds during business hours and/or worship services or other assembly times?

Access Control

  • Is access to the building limited to controlled entry points?
  • Is it possible and practical to limit access during services?
  • Is access limited to designated entrances during business hours?
  • Are staff access points monitored to prevent “tailgating” and other unauthorized access (offices, private meeting spaces, etc.)?
  • Is there a visible security presence?
  • Are staff members trained to recognize potential signs of impending violence or aggression?
  • Are security or LEO patrols conducted regularly to ensure that no entry points are compromised (doors propped open, etc.)?
  • Do you regularly conduct key audits to ensure that all access to facility and sensitive areas (mechanical, HVAC, etc.) is accounted for?

Public Areas/Grounds

  • Are staff members trained in recognizing signs of potential violence and notifying security/law enforcement?
  • Are staff members trained and have drilled in Active Shooter Response protocol, including RUN/HIDE/FIGHT?
  • Are notification systems, such as public-address system, phone page, or walkies-talkies, in place to alert visitors/staff of potential issues at the facility?
  • Have you contacted local law enforcement to do pre-incident training and familiarization with the campus and invited law enforcement to conduct a walk-through of the facility?
  • Is signage posted about “no weapons” policy for the campus (if applicable)?
  • Is security personnel stationed or patrolling public areas regularly?
  • Is a “see something-say something” policy posted — reminding people to notify leadership, security, or law enforcement if they see something unusual?

Administrative

  • Is access to administrative areas strictly controlled, except in public-facing roles (reception, greeters, etc.)?
  • Do you regularly inform leadership and security of potentially disruptive counseling/termination issues?
  • Do you regularly inform leadership and security of potential law enforcement related student issues (custody disputes, restraining orders, etc.)?
  • If possible, do you discuss potentially sensitive issues in private areas with video monitoring or panic alarms and security available?
  • Is access to senior leadership strictly controlled?
  • Are administrative/management personnel trained and drilled in Active Shooter Response protocol, including RUN/HIDE/FIGHT?
  • Are personnel trained and drilled in hasty exit/exterior assembly procedures?
  • Are aggressive complaints, calls, and communications reported to leadership, security, and law enforcement as appropriate?
  • Does the facility have an emergency management plan in place?
  • Do you regularly conduct security reviews and assessments?

Complete the Facility Self-Assessment Tool — NJOHSP+NJSP