School Security Guards: A Professional Development Gap Analysis Guide

What is a School Security Guard?

According to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), a school security guard is an individual that is employed by a school, third-party vendor, or independent contractor to provide routine safety and security duties.  School security guards, school resource officers (SRO), and school police officers (SPO) are all considered school security personnel.  School security guards can be armed or unarmed, so long as the required licensing, certification, or exemption requirements are met.

The Benefits of Hiring a School Security Guard

In Pennsylvania, extending the talent pool to security officers without a Municipal Police Officer background can be very beneficial to schools looking for cost-effective ways to find quality security personnel.  Available security officer candidates may have military experience, be seasoned private security professionals with a history of exemplary performance, or they may have a combination of military and private sector security experience that uniquely qualifies them for a school security guard position. 

It is also important to consider the overall character and temperament of the individual when selecting a school security guard – using certifications as an initial proxy for a school-based security position is helpful, but it is not a guarantee of cultural or professional compatibility in a school security setting.

School security personnel provide additional benefit by:

• Preventing or minimizing property damage at the school and surrounding area.
• Preventing student injuries due to violence and drug overdoses.
• Increasing the feeling of safety among students and school staff.

Conducting a Performance Gap Analysis for School Security Guards

If a school decides to hire an armed or unarmed school security guard over an SRO or SPO, they must then consider a number of factors related to the desired outcome – they must conduct a performance gap analysis.  The performance gap analysis will enable school administrators to determine what may be lacking in the performance of a particular position.

Here is a general outline for a school security guard performance gap analysis:

• Identify the school security guard’s responsibilities and performance goals.
• Define the competencies required to meet those goals and fulfill those responsibilities.
• Determine time available for professional development.
• Evaluate the school security guard’s current core competencies.

5-Step Process for School Security Guard Performance Gap Analysis

Step 1: Identify the School Security Guard’s Responsibilities and Performance Goals

In this step, the school administrators should clearly identify exactly what it is the security guard will be doing, and how goals will be measured.  Responsibilities could include monitoring the school’s entry/exit points, assisting with traffic control during student drop-off and pick-up, conducting security checks of the school’s perimeter, and utilizing visitor management systems. Goals could include conducting at least 4 perimeter security checks per shift, ensuring 100% visitor check-in, and reducing traffic-related incidents by a certain percentage within a given timeframe.

Step 2: Define the Core Competencies Required for the School Security Guard

Based on the security guards responsibilities and goals, the administrators would then be able to develop an understanding of what is required for success in the role.  These competencies could include effective verbal and written communication, proficiency with security equipment and technology, observation and threat assessment skills, and knowledge of the school’s safety and security policies and procedures.

Step 3: Determine the Time Available for the School Security Guard’s Professional Development

This is one of the most important steps.  The security guard’s full-time job is to support the school’s security program, and a balance needs to be struck between fulfilling those responsibilities and working toward the identified performance goals.  A realistic evaluation needs to be conducted of the overarching time available, say 6 to 12 months, and how time will be apportioned on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis for professional development.  Some considerations in this step are the opportunities for external courses and certifications, time allotted for self-directed learning and practice, and  the frequency of training sessions.

Step 4: Evaluate the School Security Guard’s Current Competencies

The guard’s existing skills and knowledge can be evaluated through reviewing their qualifications, certifications, and work history.  It is also possible to conduct on-the-job performance evaluations and self-assessments with the guard, as well as third-party skills and knowledge tests.  Hiring a security consulting firm or experts can support with this security-focused evaluation, as well as in the final gap analysis step.

Step 5: Identify Gaps and Prioritize Development Needs

At this point, all of the collected information is analyzed to determine where gaps exist between the school security guard’s current and desired competencies.  The most critical gaps should be prioritized based on a number of factors, including the impact on core job responsibilities and goals, the urgency of the need, and the time and resources required to close the gap.

Create a Professional Development Plan for the Security Guard Based on the Gap Analysis

Based on the gap analysis results, create a tailored professional development plan for the school security guard. Here are some items to consider when developing a professional development plan:

• Set specific learning objectives that address the identified competency gaps.
• Select appropriate training methods, which may include a mix of formal courses, on-the-job training, mentoring, and self-directed learning. 
• Establish a timeline for completing development activities.
• Identify the resources and support needed, such as access to external courses or mentorship from experienced security professionals.
• Define how progress will be measured and evaluated.

Optimize School Security Guard Performance: Gap Analysis and Professional Development

School security guards play a crucial role in maintaining a safe learning environment, and their professional development is key to optimizing performance.  By conducting a thorough gap analysis and implementing a tailored professional development plan, schools can significantly enhance their security measures.  Convoy Group offers expert security consulting services to help schools navigate this process effectively.  We provide comprehensive school security solutions, to include contracted armed and unarmed guard services, professional development programs, training for staff, vulnerability assessments, and protective intelligence .