OSS Law Enforcement Advisorsâ Helps Schools Implement Texas Education Code's Multihazard Emergency Operations Plan
Houston, TX (PRWEB) March 20, 2008 -- School shootings throughout the United States have increasingly shaped the educational history and structure of many schools across the nation over the past several years - prompting new mandates to the Texas Education Code and others throughout the United States.
The need for change has kept leading law enforcement and security advisors of Texas, OSS, busy assisting area schools and campus police.
Texas Education Code Section 37.108 (Senate Bill11) mandates that all schools in Texas complete a detailed security and safety assessment by August 2008. While Texas is one of the first to require such a comprehensive analysis, other states throughout the United States have now enacted similar programs.
School administrators and law enforcement organizations alike attest to the fact that the horrific rash of, not only recent school, but also mall and church shootings have forced citizens to become proactive in protecting themselves and their families. It has also helped families become better prepared for the unexpected. There has been a definite mind shift from "if it happens," to "when it happens."
Active shooter situations such as that which occurred on the Virginia Tech campus and more recently the Nebraska mall and Colorado church have prompted many schools, such as those within the Fort Bend Independent School District (Fort Bend ISD) to develop a detailed plan of action. Fort Bend ISD has partnered with OSS in an extensive four-month assessment to review strategic improvement opportunities, as well as active shooter situations.
"Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of active shooter situations in schools and public buildings, requiring law enforcement and school personnel to reevaluate procedures in order to have a more effective response - and ensure security and safety on campuses," said OSS Law Enforcement Advisor
David Lee Salmon II.
"Preparation, prevention and practice are the keys to saving lives when just seconds count," added Salmon.
Salmon also stated that the code calls for each school district to adopt and implement a multihazard emergency operations plan - addressing mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It calls for a security audit at least once every three years and campus emergency management plan practice once a year. And it requires the reporting of results to the district's board of trustees.
OSS Law Enforcement Advisors is a law enforcement consultant and risk management company with 110 years of combined experience in law enforcement, jail, security, and criminal justice fields - certified by local, state, and national organizations.
For more information, log onto www.ossrisk.com. Or, call 1-800-262-1597 today for a security consult.
