New School Design and Security Planning

One of the most common mistakes made in the design and construction of new school facilities is failing to fully account for security and emergency response.

Establishing proper security criteria and specifications in the earliest phases of architectural design maximizes return on construction investment in new schools and provides best opportunity to avoid mistakes that are often expensive and difficult, if not impossible to correct later.

When engaged as consultants in the early phases of new school design, CIS assists architects and school planners using the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and performance-based physical protection to aid in designing effective physical security while simultaneously creating an aesthetic environment that promotes positive school climate and public image.

How our security consultant assists with new school design

While working in collaboration with architects, our consultant provides expert guidance on a number of campus security and safety issues:

• • Designing protective layers with consideration to entry methods and routes likely to be used by an active shooter
  • Ensuring adequate availability of safe refuge areas for different types of hazardous events
  • Secure lobby design
  • Access control planning and proper specification of electrified hardware to avoid egress problems during emergencies other than fire
  • Specification and/or selection of barrier materials (e.g., locks, glazing, doors, etc.) for effective performance against forced entry during armed attacks
  • Evaluation of egress plans and avoiding inadvertent conflicts with security design
  • CCTV system design
  • Perimeter security planning
  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
  • Cost-benefit analysis to aid in budget planning and decision-making