Security Services ESP — 
Building a Quality Workforce

The Challenge of the Privacy Issue

Sensitive information about student behavior, criminal activity, child emotional and physical abuse, staff and parent activity, and stranger or intruder law enforcement is regularly collected in public schools. Such information must be treated confidentially, appropriately, ethically, and legally by all staff, including Security Services ESP. Some information is "public" and available, and some is "private"and unavailable. Areas of information that are in constant flux regarding confidentiality include medical, sexual, criminal, nationality, and security.

The amount and nature of the information is not just confined to written forms and statements now that schools are equipped with video and audio scanners, metal detectors, identification badges, and cameras in offices, classrooms, and other areas of the campus. Once this kind of equipment is used and information is recorded, Security Services ESP must catalog, maintain, and disperse it only when appropriate and legal. Knowing to whom and when to release information is an ongoing challenge. Privacy laws and statutes now collide with the federal Patriots Act and the Homeland Security Act. Security services personnel need training and professional development to learn how to balance what is requested with what is legal.

Conflicts often arise when individuals or agencies — school nurses and other medical personnel, guidance counselors, coaches, clubs and associations, community law enforcement, state and federal oversight agencies, even the FBI — believe they are entitled to know. Legal guidelines must protect the individual student, staff person, or parent, and also protect the Security Services ESP in charge of the information. The best protection for everyone is achieved when Security Services ESP have training, professional development and support from administrations.

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