As summer approaches, colleges and schools prepare to close their doors for the seasonal holidays with the security of educational buildings a top priority. While bustling hallways and classrooms may soon quiet down, the need for robust security measures persists, especially during periods of reduced activity when staff and students are away.

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and adventure. But for schools, it's also a time for increased security risks. 

Summer is around the corner, and if you are responsible for security at an educational institution, you want to be sure that your school is properly secured during the two-month long summer break.

School security is a growing concern throughout Canada especially with many boards dealing with off and on facility closures due to the pandemic. Whereas before schools were more vulnerable during extended holidays and summer closures, now schools have additional periods of closure because of government lock-downs.

Education facilities are meant to be a safe place for learning, but ongoing security concerns can distract from this purpose. Public schools, colleges, universities and private institutes, they are all exposed to vandalism, arson, theft and break-ins.

The reasons for criminals to target educational facilities can vary from making a political statement, an expression of anger, to wanting to cancel school or getting revenge on a staff member or peer.

“Red Deer RCMP investigate school break-ins. December 4, 2017. Red Deer RCMP are investigating a rash of recent break-ins to Red Deer schools where electronics were stolen, and are asking for public assistance in identifying the suspects and in reporting suspicious activity around schools.”

School violence and crime is a serious problem with wide reaching impact. It has the power to affect families, school staff, law enforcement and members of the public.

In addition to being on alert for any potential violence, schools and institutions must also protect themselves from break and enters, as well as vandalism.

Implementing an effective security system for private and independent schools is just as important as security for the public school sector.

It's every private school administrator's worry. Something happens to one of your students. Maybe they were robbed; maybe they were a victim of bullying, maybe there is considerable vandalism or defacing of property? You have to ask yourself, "Could I have prevented it?" and you know that the parents will ask that same question, so your reputation is based on doing what you can to prevent crime.