Gov. Releases School Security Recommendations

Improved student mental health services are a cornerstone of an Indiana working group's report.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Increased funding for school safety, more resource officers, easier access to mental health services for students, and frequent active shooter training are among a working group’s recommendations for protecting Indiana schools from threats.

Governor Eric Holcomb on Friday released a report from the working group led by Indiana Department of Homeland Security Director Brian Langley. A survey of more than 400 schools officials, teachers, first responders and security experts helped to develop the recommendations.

“To remain a national leader in school safety, Indiana must address gaps in areas that go beyond hardening our buildings and training to respond to incidents,” the group said in its report.

It lays out 18 recommendations from three categories: mental health services; safety equipment and technology; and policy and legislative considerations.

Addressing mental health concerns are a frequent theme in the report. The work group recommends requiring all schools to provide basic mental health support to students and families through local providers. Another idea is to offer a mental health screening tool for schools to use.

Holcomb has ordered the State Budget Agency to identify costs associated with the recommendations and how they might be funded. He also wants IDHS to create an Indiana School Safety Hub where state resources can be available to schools and parents in one online location.

The Integrated Public Safety Commission will develop a self-evaluation tool to maximize the effectiveness of each school’s communications systems and activities.

Additionally, the Indiana State Police will set up an anonymous tip line for school-related threats and violence.

“Ensuring every one of our students has a safe place to learn and grow is of the utmost importance,” Holcomb said. “This assessment is an important step toward helping our schools be better prepared for the unknown.”

Holcomb could use the recommendations in developing his 2019 legislative wish list for state lawmakers.

“School safety remains top of mind, and I appreciate Gov. Eric Holcomb’s focus and commitment to taking action to ensure all Hoosier students have a safe place to learn. I look forward to working with him and other stakeholders next session to improve upon Indiana’s already strong school safety policies,” said House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis).

Last month, the governor announced the state would make free metal detectors available to every Indiana school who requested them. Ninety-four percent of the state’s school did so. The 3,231 metal detectors for 369 schools are expected to be in schools by the end of August.

Indiana lawmakers approved $5 million to support IDHS’ school safety grant program during the 2019 legislative session, bringing the total to more than $14 million for resource officers, hardening school buildings, and conducting threat assessments.

In many cases using the IDHS safety grants, local school districts including Lawrenceburg, South Dearborn, Sunman-Dearborn and Rising Sun-Ohio County have taken steps to improve school security for the 2018-2019 school year.

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