This framework was designed through a multi-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together the collective expertise of school administrators, security professionals, architects, mental health practitioners, behavioral threat assessment specialists, facilities managers, emergency management experts, law enforcement, crisis communications professionals, and business continuity planners. The result is an evidence-based approach designed to empower schools to conduct thorough assessments of their current security posture while identifying strategic opportunities to further mitigate risks.

The standard takes a holistic approach to security by providing criteria for a best-in-class security program that takes into consideration physical security, behavioral threat assessment and management, and emergency operations planning. This standard was purposefully developed as a dynamic framework that evolves through real-world implementation, actively soliciting insights and feedback from practitioners to drive ongoing refinement and enhancement of its guidance.

“For the first time, schools across North America and around the world have access to a nationally recognized, ANSI-approved standard to provide a clear path for implementing a comprehensive school security program,” said Drew Neckar, CPP, co-chair, ASIS School Security Standard Technical Committee. “This groundbreaking ANSI/ASIS School Security Standard transforms the security landscape for K-12 environments by providing those accountable for security measures a scalable roadmap that when implemented, doesn’t just meet security objectives, it creates a framework for continuous improvement based on industry benchmarks and empowers stakeholders involved in school security to build stronger, more resilient educational environments. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for integrated security strategies that go beyond physical infrastructure to include behavioral and emergency response planning.”