Articles and Blogs
In this section, we have curated a collection of articles, blogs, and professional commentaries covering a broad range of safety and security topics. While many of these resources are specifically focused on school safety and security, others address principles and best practices that can be effectively applied within educational environments.
The contributors featured here are recognized leaders and subject matter experts from around the world who generously share their insights, experiences, and perspectives on issues they are passionate about. Their thought-provoking contributions are intended to inform, challenge, and inspire professionals dedicated to creating safer learning environments.
Our goal is to provide you with access to diverse viewpoints and emerging ideas, empowering you to make informed decisions and determine which strategies and approaches best align with your unique role and responsibilities.
The National Association of School Safety Officers (NASSO) extends its sincere appreciation to all contributors who have granted permission for us to share their work. Their continued collaboration, generosity, and commitment to advancing the profession through the free exchange of knowledge make this resource possible.
Parents: The Missing Layer of School Crisis Response
By Joseph (Paul) Manley
Executive Behavioral Risk & Threat Assessment Advisor, Founder – Risk Mitigation Technologies LLC
Joseph (Paul) Manley is an Executive Behavioral Risk & Threat Assessment Advisor, founder of Risk Mitigation Technologies LLC, and a board‑certified workplace violence and threat specialist. A retired police lieutenant with 35+ years of experience, he advises schools and organizations nationwide on prevention, early‑stage intervention, and defensible decision‑making.
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All rights to this article are protected by copyright law and are reserved exclusively by the author. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the author, except as permitted under applicable copyright laws. Ownership of all content, including text, images, and original materials, remains solely with the author.
Simple Steps to De-Escalate a Student
By 𝑳𝒊𝒛 𝑻𝒐𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒐 M.A., M.A.T, M.Ed
MTSS Coordinator| SEL Strategist | Consultant |Turning Behavior Data into Human-Centered Support| Sherlock Holmes of Student Behavior 🔎 |Speaker | Get Curious, NOT Furious 💌 | Staff Well-Being Champion
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All rights to this article are protected by copyright law and are reserved exclusively by the author. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the author, except as permitted under applicable copyright laws. Ownership of all content, including text, images, and original materials, remains solely with the author.
School Safety Cannot Be a Slogan
Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Professional
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
W. Todd Koogler is an Executive Leader in Public Safety & Emergency Management Strategic leader with over 35 years of experience in high-stress, multi-disciplinary environments spanning Emergency Medicine, Fire Protection, Law Enforcement, and Project Management.
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All rights to this article are protected by copyright law and are reserved exclusively by the author. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the author, except as permitted under applicable copyright laws. Ownership of all content, including text, images, and original materials, remains solely with the author.
Risk Myopia
By Dr Junior Smart OBE, FCGI
Helping professionals understand and respond to child criminal exploitation, youth violence and safeguarding realities | Founder, Smart Training & Consultancy | OBE | Speaker
SMART Training and Consultancy
https://www.smarttc.co.uk/
Dr Junior Smart OBE is a youth violence intervention specialist, social entrepreneur, speaker and trainer with almost two decades of experience supporting children, families and communities affected by exploitation, gangs and serious violence. He is the founder of the SOS Project and Smart Training & Consultancy, and has advised government, policing, education and safeguarding bodies across the UK. His work combines lived experience, research and frontline practice to challenge assumptions and improve responses to vulnerable young people. Junior recently completed a Doctorate in Policing, Crime and Security, focusing on the experiences of families affected by County Lines exploitation.
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All rights to this article are protected by copyright law and are reserved exclusively by the author. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the author, except as permitted under applicable copyright laws. Ownership of all content, including text, images, and original materials, remains solely with the author.
Emergencies Rarely Announce Their Arrivals
By John Waweru, RCrim, SRMP-C, SRMP-R
Senior Security & Risk Management Specialist | Investigation and Safety Expert | Law Enforcement | Safeguarding People, Assets & Operations
John Waweru, RCrim, SRMP-C, SRMP-R, is a Senior Security and Risk Management Specialist with expertise in security operations, investigations, emergency preparedness, risk management, crime prevention, and organizational resilience. He is passionate about helping organizations strengthen their security posture and build safer environments through proactive planning and effective risk mitigation strategies.
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All rights to this article are protected by copyright law and are reserved exclusively by the author. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the author, except as permitted under applicable copyright laws. Ownership of all content, including text, images, and original materials, remains solely with the author.
Most emergency exits are ignored, until they're needed.
Security Supervisor | Hospitality & Corporate Security Professional | | CCTV Operations | Risk Assessment | Emergency Response | Loss Prevention | FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Experience | Open to relocation
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All rights to this article are protected by copyright law and are reserved exclusively by the author. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the author, except as permitted under applicable copyright laws. Ownership of all content, including text, images, and original materials, remains solely with the author.
Contextual Safeguarding In Schools
By Fay Malia-Wallwork
Assistant Headteacher @ Aegir School, Inspire Connected Communities Trust | SEND/ Specialist Provision | Team Teach Trainer
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All rights to this article are protected by copyright law and are reserved exclusively by the author. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the author, except as permitted under applicable copyright laws. Ownership of all content, including text, images, and original materials, remains solely with the author.
Where do Students feel safest in School?
By CA Tarak Nath Shaw
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ca-tarak-nath-shaw-37407412/
Academic Intelligence II School Economics II Learning Visibility
CA Tarak Nath Shaw is an education governance thinker and entrepreneur working at the intersection of Academic Intelligence, school leadership, student well-being, institutional governance, and data-informed decision-making. He writes extensively on school transformation, educational leadership, school safety, governance, and the future of learning. His work focuses on helping educational institutions move beyond administrative reporting toward meaningful academic, pastoral, and governance intelligence that supports better outcomes for students and schools.
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All rights to this article are protected by copyright law and are reserved exclusively by the author. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, or otherwise used in any form or by any means without the express written permission of the author, except as permitted under applicable copyright laws. Ownership of all content, including text, images, and original materials, remains solely with the author.
The Most Overlooked Continuity Risk in Education Isn't Technology. It's People.
By Allen Edwards, MBA, CBCP, MEP
Transforming Emergency Preparedness for Schools & Businesses | CBRN Policy Expert @ JTF-CS | Founder, AJ Edwards Consulting & Hoover Veteran Fellow