School Campus Safety Myths

As we approach the start of the school year across the nation, the reality of student and faculty safety is at the forefront. Campus safety is an ongoing conversation that rears its head following tragedy. Elementary school shootings, college campus attacks, and increasing crime and drug rates across school campuses are bringing to light the relevance of hiring private school security guards. The roles of school security officers are multifaceted, with student engagement, building trust among students and faculty, and continual monitoring and protection efforts across the campus. School security guards are unique because of their compassion and genuine desire to keep students and schools safe in this country.

Many schools, from elementary to university level, have set aside budget monies to cover expenses related to hiring high-quality private security guards. Still, none of them have ever regretted this decision. As more schools scramble to ensure the safety of their students and faculty and put parents' minds at ease while their children are at school, this investment is becoming a standard in education. A common trap some districts fall into is believing some of the myths about school campus safety. Today, we examine those myths and bring light and clarity to the conversation every school district and board should be having right now.

Myth 1: Campuses in Low Crime Areas Not At Risk

It is too common for people to judge their school’s risk of crime and attacks to be directly related to the crime rate of the area. Even a school located in a safe neighborhood can experience crimes, and should never be complacent about the vulnerability of school campuses everywhere. Remember that school crimes do not always mean active shooters, but can be violence among students. College campuses have grossly under-reported crimes of rape, stalking, and dating violence. What begins as bullying or hazing can quickly turn into crimes that bring long-term damage and even death to students. Having on-site security officers is a known deterrent to campus crimes, and many schools report lower incidents of drug and vape use on campus when uniformed security officers are present. Trained and skilled school security guards, such as those at Off Duty Officers, Inc., have been protecting school campuses nationwide since 1993.

Myth 2: Students Are Not Worried About Their Safety

Just because students aren’t discussing their fears at dinner doesn't mean they aren't thinking about, or experiencing anxiety about, their safety while at school. A study in 2021 surveyed students and found that 97% of students consider their safety while at school. Students who are the victims of hazing or other harassment may feel much safer on campus when security guards are present. They often know where they are and can communicate with them if they think they need an escort to class or the parking lot on high school and college campuses. Although students may seem distracted and often unconcerned about their surroundings, the presence of security guards helps students feel safer, allowing parents to feel at ease and enabling students to focus on their studies and work without fear or concern about their safety.

Students Deserve Professional Protection

Many schools have installed screening devices, perimeter fences, and front office procedures to keep campuses closed during the school year. College and university campuses don’t have that luxury, which is why more colleges this year are hiring quality private security guards from Off Duty Officers to monitor campus activity and serve as a visible deterrent and comfort to students. Students can request escorts to their dorms, vehicles, or a study group, ensuring they arrive at their intended destination. Many campuses have installed alert stations, but only a comprehensive safety and security program can truly ensure students' safety this year.

Today’s students are our future, and they deserve to feel safe and secure while at school. Schools have been provided with a law enforcement officer for many drop-off and pick-up times around school zones, which is incredible. However, adding security officers trained on school campus protocols and safety enhances the experience of both students and staff while on campus. No child should have to worry about an active shooter coming on campus or being attacked on the way to their car. No young child should have to get anxiety when they pass an area of fence that borders the outside world and feel afraid. No faculty member should have to worry that a student is carrying a weapon or going to harm them or another student. Private security guards are a way for schools to address the myths about student safety in 2025 and beyond.

Off Duty Officers, Inc. is committed to the safety of America's schools and is dedicated to providing the most qualified and skilled security officers to your school campus this year. We have long-term officers, as well as those who can serve in special circumstances to meet short-term needs. Today's students deserve to feel safe at school and should be able to go about their day focused on how they will pass their science test, not on whether they will make it there at all.

Contact us today to receive a free quote and secure your school campus this year.