Executive Summary

School safety is an issue that directly impacts student well-being, academic success, and community stability. With increasing concerns over violence, natural disasters, and other threats, it is essential to implement effective policies that create secure learning environments. The brief will cover strategies for enhancing school safety, focusing on policy methods that can be implemented to improve security, emergency preparedness, and crime prevention in educational institutions.

Overview

Ensuring the safety of students in Louisiana's schools is a critical priority, directly influencing their well-being and academic success. The Louisiana School Safety Comprehensive Framework advocates for a collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders such as the Governor’s Office, state agencies, local law enforcement, educators, and mental health professionals to develop and implement effective safety protocols statewide.

A key strategy within this framework is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which emphasizes the intentional design and management of physical environments to deter crime and enhance safety. By incorporating principles like natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement, and regular maintenance, schools can proactively reduce opportunities for criminal behavior, fostering a secure atmosphere for both students and staff.

In response to the tragic 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Louisiana established the Blue Ribbon Commission on School Safety. This initiative led to the creation of the School Safety Sector within the Louisiana State Analytical & Fusion Exchange (LA-SAFE), serving as a central repository for responding to school-related threats and conducting comprehensive school assessments. Schools are encouraged to utilize reporting platforms like the RAVE Panic Button, and the Crime Stoppers Application to promptly report incidents and suspicious activities.

The state's commitment to school safety extends beyond preventing acts of violence; it also encompasses preparedness for natural disasters, health emergencies, and other potential threats. By prioritizing comprehensive safety measures and instilling a culture of vigilance and collaboration, Louisiana aims to create an environment where students can focus on learning without fear, thereby contributing to their overall development and enrichment.

History

Current Stances

Republican lawmakers typically prioritize law enforcement-based approaches, advocating for increased presence of School Resource Officers (SROs) and enhanced coordination with local law enforcement. They argue that a visible police presence acts as a deterrent to criminal activity and ensures a rapid response to emergencies. Legislative actions, such as critical incident planning and mapping systems, reflect this stance, aiming to improve emergency preparedness and response.

Democrats tend to focus on addressing the root causes of violence, such as mental health issues and socio-economic disparities. They emphasize the importance of providing mental health support through counselors and social workers in schools. For example, the Louisiana Department of Education has implemented programs to assess students expressing self-harm and expand access to mental health resources (Louisiana Department of Education, 2021). Democrats also express concern about the potential negative effects of heavy law enforcement presence, fearing it could contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline, and disproportionately impacting minority students. Instead, they advocate for restorative justice programs and conflict resolution practices as alternatives to punitive measures.

Educators play a vital role in this debate, with many expressing concerns about their ability to handle emergencies. A survey conducted by the Louisiana Federation of Teachers found that many educators felt unprepared to respond to crises and called for better training and resources (Louisiana Federation of Teachers, 2013). Community leaders, particularly in urban areas like New Orleans, argue that school safety efforts must involve collaboration among schools, parents, and local organizations to address both security and student well-being.

Policy Problem

Stakeholders

At the heart of any school safety policy are the students, educators, and parents who rely on a secure and nurturing environment for learning. These individuals are not only directly affected by any safety shortcomings but also serve as the driving force behind community demands for higher safety standards.

Equally important are the qualified state troopers, whose expert safety assessments provide an impartial evaluation of whether essential safety criteria are met before a school opens its doors. Their role is critical in bridging the gap between current safety walkthroughs and the comprehensive checks necessary to protect Louisiana’s children.

Local law enforcement and state agencies, including the Louisiana Department of Education, also play vital roles as they enforce, regulate, and support the implementation of these measures. The broader community—neighbors, local businesses, and civic leaders—has a significant stake in ensuring that schools remain safe havens, as the wellbeing of our educational institutions directly impacts the overall vitality and security of the community. Together, these stakeholders form a network of shared responsibility, all united by the conviction that every child deserves a learning environment where safety is a nonnegotiable priority (Louisiana Department of Education, 2025).

Risks of Indifference

In the absence of a thorough, emergency operation plan, schools may open their doors without even the most basic safety measures in place—leaving our children exposed to preventable dangers. This is simply a matter of life and death. Every time a school bypasses additional security implementations, it is our blood on their hands. The inaction of decision-makers creates a scenario where, if tragedy strikes, the ultimate cost is measured in the lives and well-being of our children. Such negligence not only heightens the risk of accidents and inadequate emergency responses but also undermines public trust in our education system and local governance. Ultimately, the failure to enforce rigorous safety regulations is a moral failing that exacts a heavy toll, and encourages further erosion of our community’s confidence in its leaders (Louisiana Legislative Auditor, 2024; Louisiana Department of Education, 2025).

Nonpartisan Reasoning

Data from state evaluations show that facilities which undergo comprehensive safety assessments and procedures are better prepared to respond to emergencies and are more likely to have remedial measures in place when deficiencies are identified (Louisiana Department of Education, 2025). The process leverages the expertise of state troopers and community leaders who will use objective, data-driven tools to identify vulnerabilities, thus reducing potential risks and enhancing overall emergency preparedness (Louisiana State Police, 2023).

This approach is grounded in a commitment to the well-being of students and staff, utilizing evidence to guide decisions rather than ideological positions. By basing safety measures on best practices and continuous improvement, the policy creates an environment where every school is held to a minimum standard that has been proven to reduce harm and improve response times during critical incidents. Such a system, supported by logical analysis and measurable outcomes, appeals to a broad spectrum of stakeholders—ensuring that decisions about school safety are informed by objective criteria and a shared commitment to protecting our children (Louisiana Department of Education, 2025).

Tried Policy

In Louisiana, school safety protocols have evolved to address emerging challenges. Notably, in 2023, the School Safety Act (SB207) was enacted, mandating that all elementary and secondary public schools develop, maintain, and regularly exercise a crisis management and response plan. This legislation emphasizes the importance of preparedness and requires schools to conduct safety drills within the first thirty days of each school year, including scenarios such as active shooter situations. Additionally, schools are required to perform at least one drill during high-traffic or transition periods to ensure readiness during various times of the day.

While these measures aim to enhance emergency preparedness, their implementation has presented challenges. Conducting drills during peak periods can disrupt instructional time and strain resources, leading to concerns among educators and administrators about the balance between safety and educational priorities. Moreover, the absence of a standardized, mandatory safety assessment by qualified professionals prior to a school's opening means that some facilities may not fully comply with safety standards, potentially leaving students and staff vulnerable.

Policy Options

Safety Assessments by State Troopers

Implementing a policy that requires all newly constructed or significantly renovated schools to undergo a comprehensive safety assessment by a qualified state trooper before opening is both practical and essential. This measure would ensure that each facility meets established safety standards, thereby enhancing the protection of students and staff. The Louisiana State Police have developed a detailed School Safety Checklist to guide such assessments, indicating that the necessary expertise and resources are available to support this initiative.

Establish a Statewide School Safety Task Force

Creating a dedicated task force to evaluate school safety across Louisiana would serve multiple purposes. This body could systematically assess current safety protocols, identify areas needing improvement, and build a compelling case for increased funding and legislative support. By collaborating with existing organizations, such as the Louisiana Center for Safe Schools, the task force can leverage existing resources and expertise to promote a unified approach to school safety.

Mandate Crisis Reporting to the LA-SAFE Fusion Center

Requiring schools to report any crisis or emergency directly to the Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange (LA-SAFE) would streamline communication and ensure a swift response from state troopers, SWAT teams, and emergency responders. Currently, there is no standardized protocol for such reporting, which can lead to delays and inconsistencies in emergency response. Implementing this mandate would enhance coordination and improve the overall effectiveness of crisis management in schools.

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of students and staff within Louisiana's educational institutions is a paramount concern that necessitates immediate and strategic action. The proposed policy measures: mandating comprehensive safety assessments by qualified state troopers for new or significantly renovated schools, establishing a dedicated statewide school safety task force, and requiring prompt crisis reporting to the Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange (LA-SAFE)—are grounded in empirical evidence and best practices. These initiatives aim to create a cohesive and robust framework for school safety, addressing current gaps and enhancing the state's capacity to prevent and respond to emergencies effectively. By implementing these policies, Louisiana can foster secure learning environments that promote academic excellence and community trust.

References

1. Louisiana Department of Education. Louisiana School Safety Comprehensive Framework. Louisiana Department of Education. https://doe.louisiana.gov/docs/default-source/policy/louisiana-school-safety-comprehensive-framework--gohsep.pdf?sfvrsn=663b6218_0.
2. The International Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Association. CPTED. https://www.cpted.net/.
3. Louisiana Legislative Auditor. Public Reports. https://app2.lla.state.la.us/publicreports.nsf/0/37efc3a8c5c35d0786258abc006036b3/%24file/00003c34.pdf?7773098=&openelement.
4. Louisiana Department of Education. "School System Leaders: School Policies." Louisiana Department of Education. https://doe.louisiana.gov/school-system-leaders/school-policies.
5. Louisiana Association of School Administrators. "School Safety Legislation." Louisiana Association of School Administrators. https://lasafeschools.la.gov/school-safety-legislation/.
6. Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Louisiana School Safety Plan Template. https://gohsep.la.gov/media/huen4syd/louisiana_school_safety_plan_template_updated_11_24_2014.docx.
7. Louisiana Department of Administration. https://www.doa.la.gov/media/goictsmk/28v133.pdf.
8. Louisiana Illuminator. "Students Inspire Bill to Improve Response to Mass Shootings on Campus." Louisiana Illuminator, 16 May 2023. https://lailluminator.com/2023/05/16/students-inspire-bill-to-improve-response-to-mass-shootings-on-campus/.
9. U.S. Department of Education. Guiding Principles: A Resource Guide for Improving School Climate and Discipline. https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/policy/gen/guid/school-discipline/guiding-principles.pdf.
10. Louisiana Safe Schools. Primary Concerns in School Safety. https://la-safe.org/about/primary-concerns/school-safety/.
11. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Enhancing School Safety Guide. https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/18_0711_USSS_NTAC-Enhancing-School-Safety-Guide.pdf.