|
Curtis Cooper
HURST & ROLFINGSMEIER
"This is an exit only door and it prevents
unauthorized personnel from entering the building."
That is a security device, which
a school should have, according to Curtis Cooper.
He is the retired Federal Agent, for the A-T-F.
Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.
Now, he's a professional security
consultant for the security firm of Hurst & Rolfingsmeier
in Fairview Heights, Il. His job? To inspect a
school, and determine if it is vulnerable to violence.
In the case of Central High, near
Breese Illinois there were about 15 areas, where
security could be improved, to make kids safer.
Curtis Cooper
"We found a lack of lighting outside where
persons who would be unauthorized to be on the
school premises or who wanted to break in or whatever
could hide."
The superintendent here at Central
High says he is very concerned, about the security
of his students and staff but he also admits that
he was very surprised at the assessment which
showed just how vulnerable his campus could be
to the potential for violence.
James Groff
SUPERINTENDENT
"We're kind of in a rural area and I think
sometimes we are surprised at what might be a
problem."
So what about your child's school?
Cooper says you should check for the following
areas, the next time you visit. Notice the lack
of bushes near the entrance so criminals can not
hide. And there should be cameras.
Curtis Cooper
HURST & ROLFINGSMEIER
" A camera provides a historical record
of what actually took place but more importantly
it provides a person a sense a feeling of security
that they are in fact conscious and aware that
security is important."
And Curbs.
Curtis Cooper
" There were no curbs. In other words
a person could drive up into the parking lot and
drive upon the sidewalk without any obstruction."
And identify staff with name tags.
Curtis Cooper
"Course that's to make, to tell the difference
between a staff member and an intruder."
It normally costs a school district
between $12 hundred and $2 thousand dollars, to
have a security expert, assess where your school,
may be vulnerable to violence.
Then at Central High, for example,
the cost of actually improving security, by purchasing
new doors, cameras, lights, and other equipment,
will cost up to $7 thousand dollars.
Cooper's firm does not sell or install
that equipment.
|
