Frequently Asked Questions: Install state of the art integrated communication, surveillance, and response systems across the campus and Anderson Ice Arena

Q: Is the security team trained and ready to respond?
A: Absolutely. Breck’s security team combines extensive experience, best-in-class technology, and ongoing training to monitor and respond in the unlikely event of an issue. The team is trained to monitor and respond while maintaining strong community relationships with all the members of the Breck community. 

Q: What is the Safe School Plan? 
A: Breck School prioritizes a comprehensive security and safety program to foster a safe and respectful learning environment. They achieve this through:
People: A dedicated security team leads and collaborates with the community to implement safety strategies.
Technology: Breck School utilizes security cameras, access control systems, and a visitor management system to enhance security.
Training and Procedures: They conduct regular training for students and employees and have a Behavioral Intervention Team to respond to potential concerns.
External Partnerships: They work closely with local police, fire departments, and other emergency responders.

Q: How was visitor management and access control improved?
A: All exterior doors are now secured and monitored during the school day, and vetted community stakeholders have been assigned badges for entry. “We want to create reasonable friction with our Safe School plan,” said Denny Arons. “We want families to zip through with a badge, but make it challenging for someone else.”

Q: What role did the Breck community play in the development of the Safe School Plan?
A: The shift to a controlled access campus was a collaborative process involving input from students, families, coaches, faculty, and staff. The team leveraged a human-centered design process to ensure the plan balanced safety with accessibility and met the unique needs of the Breck community.

Q: What is the role of the security team in maintaining a safe and welcoming environment?
A: The security team plays a crucial role by managing access, providing training, and being highly visible during key times. Their commitment to compassion, empathy, and excellence strengthens their connection with the community and ensures a safe environment.

Q: How does Breck’s philosophy guide its safety initiatives?
A: Breck’s security philosophy centers on prevention, strong relationships, and a culture of “see something, say something.” Faculty training, behavior intervention teams, and collaboration with the Minnesota Fusion Center all contribute to a proactive and preventative approach.

Q: What is the focus of Breck’s security team?
A: The security team prioritizes personnel, training, and building relationships. Their approach emphasizes early detection and rapid response. The team includes eight highly skilled professionals, including former police officers, firefighters, and EMTs, alongside contracted personnel who monitor and respond while fostering strong community connections. An EMT is always on duty while the campus is open.

Q: How often does the security team train?
A: The security team trains three times a year to ensure proficiency with system updates and new features, alongside comprehensive drills and scenario planning. These sessions maintain team readiness and reinforce the implementation of the Safe School Plan.

Q: What were the overall findings of the 2022 security assessment?
A: The assessment found that Breck was doing many things right and following general best practices. It acknowledged strong senior leadership team support for security and significant maturation of the safety and security program since 2014.  The 2022 assessment sets the roadmap for Breck to elevate its program to an optimized maturity level. 

Q: What improvements were made following Breck’s recent security assessment?
A: The 2022 assessment conducted by North Arrow, confirmed Breck’s safety program as optimized and strategic. Key improvements include:
Enhanced visitor management and access control with parent badges
We maintain comprehensive surveillance coverage across the campus -  ensuring thorough visibility and reliable monitoring of all key areas.
Upgraded staff training with AED and CPR certifications, particularly for Anderson Ice Arena, Breck’s designated Emergency Reunification Center.

Q: Why is Anderson Ice Arena significant to Breck’s safety plan?
A: Anderson Ice Arena serves as a critical Emergency Reunification Center during emergencies. The staff is specially trained in crisis management, including CPR and AED certifications.

Q: What are the next steps for Breck’s safety program?
A: Next steps include:
Assembling a Cross-Functional Security Team to address evolving security needs and ensure continued progress.
Breck plans to integrate systems for admissions, guest access, and vendor management while streamlining traffic and pedestrian flow. These enhancements will further align with Breck’s goal of creating a secure yet welcoming environment.