Key principles

The key principles regarding school security are:

the welfare and best interests of students are paramount
Department of Education and Training will identify risks to students, staff, facilities and information from criminal acts and implement strategies to minimise threat
Department of Education and Training will co-operate and work in partnership with other agencies that have an involvement in crime prevention
school security is a priority of all Department of Education and Training employees, who will act in accordance with this procedural policy

Identified security risks covered include, but are not limited to:

theft/damage of resources due to break and enter incidents
malicious damage to inside and outside of buildings
arson damage to buildings
harm to staff and students from a criminal act, committed by unauthorised persons on site

The risk of crime against schools is best mitigated when all of the following elements of security philosophy are adopted:

All potential major security threats or risks are identified and assessed.
Schools plan for addressing these risks.
A holistic approach is taken, including a broad combination of strategies and systems for risk treatment and management.
All members of school community have a part to play in security outcomes.
There is leadership shown within school community to engage others and drive successful outcomes.