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School Safety Information and Resources

The field of school safety continues to grow into one of the most important subjects affecting our jurisdictions. In Indiana, a wide variety of subject matter experts have been working to address concerns and provide best practices for school districts to consider.

Indiana School Safety Guidelines for Emergency Response Systems: The implementation of Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 147 (2016) required IDHS to establish minimum standards and approve best practices for school-based emergency response systems. IDHS worked with local first responders, state government partners and Indiana's private industry to develop and implement school safety guidance.

The following organizations assisted in the creation of the guidelines:

  • Indiana Department of Homeland Security
  • Indiana Department of Education
  • Indiana Sheriff's Association
  • Indiana School Resource Officer Association
  • National Association for School Resource Officers
  • Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents
  • Indiana State Teachers Association
  • Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police
  • Indiana Fire Chiefs Association

Additional Indiana school safety resources include:

School Safety Hub

The Indiana School Safety Hub streamlines school safety information and resources available to communities across the state. Indiana offers a multitude of resources, trainings and mental health services, but it can be daunting for someone in need to find things quickly and effectively. Furthermore, some schools are unaware of funding opportunities to enhance school safety or how to conduct threat assessments and train educators to look for warning signs of distress among students.

Secured School Safety Grant Program

The Indiana Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG) Program has served as a critical resource to ensure Hoosier schools are safe and secure. The program has awarded millions of dollars in matching grants to Indiana school districts across the state to address potential safety threats and help them prepare.

School Safety Specialist Academy

The Indiana School Safety Specialist Academy provides ongoing, certified training and information on national and state best practices, as well as exemplary resources for school safety, security, intervention/prevention and emergency preparedness planning.

Active Shooter Training

The Indiana State Police offers active shooter training and resources to assist the public in understanding how to respond to an active shooter event. Resources include those for schools, places or worship, mid-sized businesses, government agencies and terrorist-incident planning.

Safe Haven Grants

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute administers the Indiana Safe School Fund, which promotes school safety through the following:

  • Purchase of equipment for the detection of firearms and other weapons
  • Use of dogs trained to detect firearms, drugs, explosives and illegal substances
  • Purchase of other equipment and materials used to enhance the safety of schools

Until Help Arrives Program

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers training materials to help members of the general public know what to do to save lives when emergency responders are not nearby.