Major Losses
Jul 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Miles Kravis
A well-developed plan can help prevent arson and vandalism on school and university property.
Program tips
As a first step in setting up an arson and vandalism program, the governing body should approve a policy taking a stand against vandalism. The policy statement should recognize that acts of vandalism are crimes against the community, and declare that all acts of vandalism against property will be prosecuted. Also:
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Identify the staff members that will be responsible for administering the program.
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Provide a basis for full cooperation among all responsible administrators and those agencies responsible for detection, apprehension and prosecution of vandals.
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Urge the governing body to take action to reduce the incidence of vandalism and protect property.
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Limit building access to those pupils, public and staff that have a legitimate purpose in being there.
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Exercise control and supervision over those who are allowed in the buildings.
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Make sure that everyone is out of a building when it is closed for the day. Coaches and others who supervise pupil activities late in the day or in the evening should not leave until all the students have left.
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Assign specific responsibility to the custodial staff, preferably one person in each building, to be sure that all windows, doors and other access ways are closed and locked.
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Collect and secure all trash and other loose combustible materials so they are placed in outside containers with covers.
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Prevent access to roof areas by prohibiting vehicles or other objects from being left close to a building — they can be used for climbing.
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Maintain interior and exterior lighting in such a way as to discourage loitering and reveal intruders by sight from the outside.
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Verify that police authorities or school personnel are scheduled for drive-around inspections at irregular intervals.
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Provide adequate illumination and ease of visibility to courtyards, cul-de-sacs and other places not readily visible from outside the building.
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Be alert to school and community problems that may heighten the risk of fire — for instance, pupils or parents who may harbor strong negative attitudes toward a school. This is a frequent motive for arson.
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