Security Services ESP — 
Building a Quality Workforce

Health and Safety — Protecting the Individual Employee

Bloodborne and Other Pathogens

Security Services ESP risk contact with blood and body fluids as they deal with violent or injured students or personnel. These materials may contain pathogens, organisms that can cause serious disease. Of major concern are the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), the Hepatitis C Virus (HVC), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS. The list of organisms expanded to include SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, in 2003.

The Bloodborne Pathogen Standard was developed by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 1991 to protect private employees with anticipated occupational exposure to these organisms. Since 1991, many states have adapted this legislation to protect public employees as well. Much more information is available each year as the medical community gains greater understanding of pathogen risks and how to prevent and treat exposures. All employees — particularly Security Services ESP who come in close contact with violent situations — need current information, equipment, and supplies, and comprehensive professional development and training in order to protect themselves.

Violent Student and Parent/Guardian Behavior

As Security Services ESP deal with student fighting and assaults, they are responsible for the safety and well-being of the student offenders and others around them. Often the violence is directed toward the security officers themselves, requiring a different response. Security Services ESP have the right at all times to protect themselves while maintaining order and safety. Tremendous stress is created for employees who are subject to violence and are responsible for controlling violence in their work environment.

People often assume that security officers are not at risk like other school employees. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Professional development programs are desperately needed to provide specific training so Security Services ESP can respond appropriately and professionally and protect themselves at the same time.

Security Services ESP should be aware that parents who attack school employees can be prosecuted to the full extent of the criminal law. You should report any such attack to your local police immediately. Your also may sue parents in civil court to recover money for the physical and/or mental injuries they may have inflicted on you. Parents' liability for the reckless acts of their children is limited under the law and differs from state to state. There is no such limitation on parents' liability for their own violent acts. Clarification on the particulars of liability should be verified through your local police department, your UniServ Office, and your State Association.

Local Association School Safety Committee

One way to enhance school safety and protect individual employees is to form a Local Association School Safety Committee. This committee can develop Action Plans — for ongoing action as well as for crisis management.

The ongoing Action Plan should address school management, including discipline codes, crime and violence reporting, off-campus crime, student involvement, and alternative educational environments. It should also address curriculum relating to school safety policies, peer mediation, conflict resolution, and multicultural education. And it should consider the physical environment, including whether or not to use metal detectors and other surveillance devices, eliminate lockers, improve lighting, oversee areas where students congregate, and reduce class size.

The Crisis Management Plan should comply with all federal and state laws under the Homeland Security Act and the National Alert System, and should specify who does what, when, and with whom in the event of a crisis. It should address communications with the media, parents, staff, and community police; assistance to be provided to victims, offenders, and staff; and counseling for anyone involved, including students, staff, or bystanders.

The Local Association School Safety Committee will provide member/ employee security, information, and action — separate from job function regulations. It will liaison with the employer, other staff and the community in the employees' best interests and should include:

• Violence and incident assessment
• Cooperation, liaison, outreach
• Individual employee school safety measures
• Enhanced awareness by administration and school board
• Training and professional development
• Public and community relations
• Evaluation of effectiveness and progress for members

The following are some possible partners with a Local Association School Safety Committee:

• Government and Community Agencies and Organizations, such as social services and mental health agencies, community and state police departments, tribal councils, housing authorities and organizations, local neighborhood and tenant councils and associations, local and state judicial systems, fire and rescue departments
  
  
• Volunteer Service Organizations, such as veterans organizations, the Salvation Army, Goodwill, the United Way, fraternities and sororities, 100 Black Men & Women, and runaway and youth services organizations
  
  
• Civic Organizations and Clubs, such as the Rotary Club, Jaycees, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts, Little League organizations, other youth clubs
  
  
• Professional Clubs and Associations, such as education associations, medical, nursing and EMT associations, legal associations, social worker and welfare employee associations, morticians, unions
  
  
• Private and Non-Profit/For Profit Organizations, such as NAACP, National Urban League, National Organization of Women, League of United Latin American Citizens, ASPIRA of America, The Rainbow Coalition, community churches and religious groups, local hospitals, community and state colleges and universities, local businesses, local media outlets, including newspapers, radio, and TV, YMCA/YWCA
  
  
• Respected individuals in the community such as athletes, entertainers, etc.

To Section 9: Meaningful Professional Development = A Quality Workforce