New Jersey schools are making significant progress in the area of security, according to recent analysis of “security checklist audits” from more than 3,350 schools.

“This audit and the database are the result of an exceptional cooperative effort by the State Police, the Attorney General’s Office, the DOE and local law enforcement agencies and school districts,” said Acting Commissioner of Education Lucille E. Davy.

“While the audit shows that many schools have taken significant steps to implement better security policies, it also gives us a clearer picture of the areas that do need to be addressed, including standardized emergency procedures and more comprehensive training for school staffs.”

Progress Charted  Key findings from the statewide school audit include—

• 96% of the schools have developed, or are developing, written protocols for emergency and crisis management.
  
  
• More than 89% of schools have comprehensive procedures for responding to emergencies.
  
  
• More than 90% have met with local law enforcement officials to discuss the possibility of increased law enforcement presence in and around schools.
  
  
• 87% are conducting security awareness training for school staff.
  
  
• 89% have, or are developing, measures to prevent unauthorized access to school grounds.
  
  
• 71% have completed, or are completing, comprehensive security needs assessments.
  
  
• About 94% have, or are developing, codes of student conduct, including protocols on bullying.