School Safety Resources
Given the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, many communities will call upon their public safety leaders to ensure that their children are safe in school. There are numerous ways that volunteer programs can add value to school safety efforts. Volunteer programs not only address safety concerns, but also give families and community members the opportunity to take an active role in protecting the safety of their own child and the entire school community.
The following VIPS resources are available to help you plan school safety volunteer programs:
- VIPS in a School Setting – This publication provides information specific to law enforcement volunteer efforts in elementary, middle, and high school settings. The publication describes school-based-law enforcement volunteer efforts such as Citizen Patrols in and around schools, safe school bus stops and intersections, walking school buses or bicycle trains, volunteer school resource officers, school-based citizen police academies, scholastic Crime Stoppers, Student Emergency Response Teams (SERT) and Law Enforcement Exploring. Information on program planning and recruiting volunteers is also included.
- VIPS in a College or University Setting - This publication describes campus-based-law enforcement volunteer efforts such as safety and security patrols, campus escort services, Campus Community Emergency Response Teams (C-CERT), emergency medical response services, and campus watch. Information on recruiting volunteers is also included and five campus-based-law enforcement agencies are featured. There is also a resource section to assist in developing a campus-based law enforcement volunteer program.
- Community Involvement in Campus Safety - This 11-minute video highlights the breadth and scope of volunteer efforts in college and university law enforcement.