Public and private schools and universities often find themselves asking two basic questions when planning to implement security measures: What do we need and how will we fund the project

Since school officials rarely have a background in physical security, the answer to the first question is too often a haphazard combination of technology deployed in such a way that never really becomes a security solution. This makes the second question more difficult to answer. A poorly designed system is an inefficient system, and this drives up costs while still failing to provide a desired level of security. 

R J Goan and Associates will provide you with a comprehensive facility assessment, focusing on security and liability, risk management, and the deployment of security related solutions to address the needs of your individual facility or campus.   All too often technology has been identified as the foundation for approach to developing a solution to our security related concerns within our schools and universities.  R J Goan and Associates believes that although technology can play a role in creating a safer school environment, the development of a comprehensive layered approach to risk mitigation; combined with training, education and task specific policy and procedural guidelines is the true foundation for building a comprehensive school security plan.  R J Goan and Associates understands the importance of solid communications, preparedness and the development of relationships with community resources and first responders.  Our consultants work with each of our clients to develop these relationships and educate your staff and student population with one goal in mind.  The goal to create a safe and secure campus for your academic needs.  

R J Goan and Associates will provide direction for the individual needs of your project by developing a Security Assessment and Facilities Evaluation (SAFE) with a focus in the following areas:


Security Through Environmental Design

  • Lighting

  • Structural Barriers 

  • Directive Signage (Facility Numbering and Visual Directives)

  • Landscaping

  • Points of Access

  • People and Vehicle Movement 

Security Through Structural Design

  • Building Materials and Hardware

  • Window and Glass Materials

  • Interior and Exterior Points of Entry

  • Structural Layout and Design (Architectural Flow)

Technology

  • Access Control

  • Visitor Management

  • Mass Notification 

  • Communication

  • Intrusion Systems

  • Video Surveillance

         

Staffing and Logistical Operations 

Community Based Resources

Statistical Data (Crime Reporting, Geography, and Socio-Demographics)

R J Goan and Associates has worked diligently to remain in step with the Department of Education and U.S. Secret Service, specific to work completed which surrounds the study of the thinking, planning and pre-attack behaviors engaged in by individuals who have carried out attacks on our schools.

This work identified as the Safe School Initiative, was developed under a partnership between the Secret Service and the Department of Education and implemented through the National Threat Assessment Center and the Department of Education’s Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program. The Safe School Initiative draws from the Secret Service’s experience in studying and preventing targeted violence and from the Department of Education’s expertise in helping schools facilitate learning through the creation of a safe environment for students, faculty and staff. 

The objective of the Safe School Initiative is an attempt to identify information that could assist with the prevention of an attack, prior to an incident taking place.  That information is then analyzed and evaluated to produce a factual and accurate knowledge base with regard to targeted school attacks. This knowledge is used to help communities across the country, formulate policies and procedural guidelines, aimed at preventing school-based attacks.