Yes. PASS helps administrators identify priority needs to support grant proposals, including federal School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) requests.

• https://cops.usdoj.gov/svpp

TOP 10 K-12 SAFETY AND SECURITY PITFALLS: (PASS Guidelines Page #11)

1. Failure to assemble a planning team (see Policies and Procedures) that includes all appropriate and necessary stakeholders
2. Insufficient prioritization of security based on an “it won’t happen here” mentality
3. Implementation of advanced technology and/or high-cost solutions without first ensuring baseline, proven security measures are in place (such as those found in TIER 1 in the PASS Guidelines)
4. Inconsistent implementation of disparate systems that do not meet security objectives identified in a comprehensive security plan or risk assessment
5. Short-sighted planning or products that respond only to the latest tragedy, as opposed to supporting a long-term, holistic approach
6. Choosing lowest-cost solutions above all other considerations, such as total life cycle costs
7. Reliance on technology for emergency communications that is not designed for such use
   
8. Overreliance on a single form of emergency communication or overdependence on a single type of solution or technology to address a broad range of safety and security challenges
9. Failure to appropriately balance external and internal risk mitigation—Based on risk assessment, different approaches may be more appropriate, depending on the facility. With active shooter events, for example, 100 percent of such incidents targeting elementary schools have been perpetrated by intruders from outside the school communities, while approximately 75 percent of incidents at secondary schools involved students or others associated with the schools.
   
10. Unnecessary products that can be solutions in search of a problem. The marketing of “barricade” or “secondary locking” devices is just one example. Offering no advantage over a lockset, such devices are typically offered as a lowest-cost lockdown solution. These devices can increase liability and risk and most violate fire and life safety codes as well as the Federal Law – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For further information see 5 Reasons Schools Should Avoid Classroom.

• Culture, staff, community, and administrative buy-in on the security program.  
• Culture, staff, community, and administrative support on the security program and implementing the PASS guidelines. 
• Understanding the role and limitations of technology available for security enhancements. 
• Establishing a consistent staff training program for teachers, custodians, administrators, and other personnel on crisis response. 

The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) Guidelines promote interoperability between school districts and law enforcement by providing a tiered framework for integrating physical security technology, such as alarms and video surveillance, with emergency response systems. These guidelines align technologies with NIMS (National Incident Management System), ensuring systems can share data during incidents.

• (PASS Guidelines Page #11)

See: https://passk12.org/duress-alarm/how-to-evaluate-your-duress-alarm-options/

See: https://passk12.org/safe-school-week/lock-dont-block-aligning-classroom-security-with-partner-alliance-for-safer-schools-pass-school-safety-and-security-guidelines/

See: https://youtu.be/aVBI5Gn8IPQ?si=NDzFpeHk_LYWSwED

PASS does not support the use of barricade devices on interior or exterior doors. Refer to whitepaper – See: https://passk12.org/news/pass-issues-statement-on-classroom-door-barricade-devices/

PASS does not address mental health services, behavioral threat assessment, firearms policies, police staffing, or tactical countermeasures. Because these aspects of school safety are so important, PASS has partnered with several organizations that can provide input and expertise for school administrators. Please see our list of Non-Profit organizations at https://passk12.org/about-pass/partner-organizations/

PASS uses a layered security model across five layers:

1. District-wide
2. Digital Infrastructure
3. Campus Exterior Perimeter
4. Building Perimeter
5. Classroom/Interior

Each layer provides opportunities to deter, detect, delay, and respond to threats so that failure in one layer does not collapse the system.

Key additions include the Digital Infrastructure Layer, expanded guidance on visitor entry, door locking, panic alarms, and unification of perimeter layers.

PASS focuses on physical security and life-safety infrastructure, including policies, procedures, access control, architectural elements, surveillance, and communication.

PASS recommends beginning with a security planning team, followed by a risk assessment, then a building assessment by layer.

Schools use PASS to:

• Evaluate existing systems
  
• Identify gaps by layer
• Prioritize Tier improvements
• Integrate technologies and policies into a comprehensive security plan

While a school district can align itself with the overall philosophy of PASS and can reference the leading practices outlined in the guidelines to staff and leaders, districts are better served by adopting the guidelines. This helps the district create a culture of safety and buy-in for investing in security enhancements.

A risk assessment identifies threats, vulnerabilities, and the resulting risks, forming the foundation for selecting appropriate security controls. The Risk assessment process should include a plan to work through the enhancement of school safety and security vulnerabilities uncovered by the assessment.

PASS recommends investigating the local state resources and requirements that may be available. The PASS guidelines recommend an annual security assessment by the school/district and an independent 3rd party assessment every three years.

The PASS guidelines are not mandated by any regulatory body. The tiered continuum and layers outlined in the guidelines meet NFPA and other established standards. Districts should check their local and state laws and work with their local fire marshal as necessary to implement any security upgrades based on PASS.

After a security assessment, districts can determine the level of security currently in place and prioritize enhancements based on local conditions, needs, and available funding. PASS recommends the tiered approach as described on Page 7 of the PASS Guidelines.

The Guidelines do not address every risk and every situation and, importantly, do not include product-specific recommendations. PASS does not endorse specific products, services or service providers.

PASS recommends an annual assessment. However, districts should always conduct a post-incident review of their program and, as necessary, implement higher-tiered recommendations.