Police Officer to Help Establish School Security Plan

The safety of Nova Scotia students and staff is Job One for a Halifax police constable who will help establish a provincewide school security plan.

The Department of Education has seconded Const. Mark Young to review school board policies and use the best ideas to develop a standard plan to deal with crises and emergencies in Nova Scotia's 430 public schools.

Education Minister Karen Casey said a provincial emergency management plan will give schools from Yarmouth to Sydney clear and consistent procedures for emergencies.

"We are pleased Const. Young has agreed to help us develop a provincewide plan," said Ms. Casey. "The safety of our students and our staff is our top priority."

Const. Young, who helped Halifax Regional School Board conduct a crime prevention audit of its schools, will review each board's emergency plan, meet with board safety officials, compile a list of best practices, and recommend ways to make schools safer.

Boards have done considerable work to develop school security policies, but procedures can vary and, potentially, lead to confusion.

"Schools need to be prepared for emergencies," said Const. Young. "By having a plan, you prevent panic and you keep students and staff safe in a crisis."

Const. Young is a 27-year veteran of the Halifax Regional Police and an expert in preventing crime through building design. His appointment comes after Premier Rodney MacDonald directed the province's seven regional school boards and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial to review and update school security plans.

Ms. Casey said she is also working with Justice Minister Murray Scott, the RCMP, and local police to establish an advisory committee on school security to improve student safety.