DHS announces formation of Executive Steering Committee to lead department-wide school security initiatives

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the formation of an Executive Steering Committee on Monday that will oversee the department’s school security efforts, ensure that funding and resources are best leveraged, and support state and local efforts.

DHS also highlighted year-round trainings, exercises and preparedness activities that it currently holds to bolster school security through education and community awareness, and capacity building and training. The department also noted their efforts regarding early warning detection in the wake of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead on Feb. 14.

“No child should have to worry about their safety when in school,” Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said. “The department’s top priority is to keep the American people safe, and we are closely examining ways to better protect our nation’s students and schools from gun violence.”

DHS plans to enhance public awareness campaigns that encourage teachers, students, and community members to report suspicious activity to local police departments. Nielsen noted that the public is “often our greatest partner” in identifying suspicious activity.

“While state and local partners have primary responsibility for the physical security at schools, through trainings, best practices guides, workshops and tabletop exercises, we hope to improve awareness and foster a culture of preparedness,” Nielsen said. “We are working with partners around the country to harden these vulnerable targets. By ensuring administrators and stakeholders in the K-12 and higher education communities, teachers, parents, law enforcement and first responders are part of this effort, we can better educate the entire community on threats to school safety.”