School safety remains a growing concern across the United States. According to recent studies, nearly one-third of parents with school-age children express serious fears about school shootings.
Many schools turn to security guards as a frontline defense to protect students and staff. But how many security guards should a school have to provide effective protection without compromising the welcoming atmosphere of education?
Here at Bellator Defense, we provide expert protection for schools all across Colorado. These tips come from our expertise working with dozens of schools.
Stick around to learn how to choose the number of security guards for your school.
What Is a Good Number of Security Guards for a School?
There is no fixed number of campus guards a school should have. The number depends on the size of the campus and its location among other factors.
According to a report from the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Office, 42% of high schools have at least one school resource officer. Research by the University of Washington indicates that a high school on average employs the equivalent of 1.75 full-time law enforcement or security officers.
Generally, a good number of security guards for a school is one security officer per 250 to 500 students.
How Many Security Guards Should a Suburban School Have Compared to a City School?
Suburban schools should ideally have 1-2 additional security guards than a city school because of the following reasons:
Suburban areas attract threats from outside the community, where potential attackers view these schools as less secure due to their perceived isolation. City schools, in comparison, are safer than suburban ones.
Suburban locations lack the immediate availability of additional law enforcement or security reinforcements compared to city schools.
Suburban schools tend to have larger, more spread-out campuses with multiple buildings and entrances. As a result, they require more personnel to cover important areas and provide adequate campus security.
What Factors Decide How Many Security Guards Should a School Have?
School size, location, student and staff count, special events, and your budget all play a role in determining how many guards you should hire for your campus. Here are more details:
1. School Size and Layout
A larger campus with multiple buildings, expansive grounds, and numerous entry and exit points requires more security personnel to maintain comprehensive coverage.
For example, elementary schools with one main building and limited access points may need only 1-2 guards. In contrast, high schools with sprawling layouts, athletic fields, and parking lots might require 4-6 guards to ensure good coverage.
Guards must be strategically positioned to monitor entrances and patrol vulnerable areas. The architectural design of a school, including hidden corners and poorly lit areas, further dictates the need for additional staff.
2. Location
The school’s geographic setting influences the level of security required. Locations where crime rates are high naturally require vigilant security coverage.
In addition, suburban schools experience long emergency response times from law enforcement and medical services due to their distance from city centers. This means it’s a good idea to hire extra guards if your school is in a remote location.
3. Number of Students and Staff
A school with a large student body inherently experiences more movement, interactions, and potential for conflicts. This increases the demand for a stronger security presence.
For example, a high school with 1,500 students might require 4-6 guards to monitor hallways, cafeterias, recreational spaces, and parking areas.
On the other hand, a smaller school with fewer than 500 students may only need one or two guards.
4. Special Events
Security needs fluctuate based on special events hosted by a school. Sporting events, dances, and graduation ceremonies draw large crowds — schools need additional security personnel necessary to manage entry points and control crowds during these events.
High-profile events or those involving external guests may require even more guards to mitigate security risks.
5. Budget
Your budget shapes the final decision on how many guards your school can afford. Schools with limited resources rely on a combination of security guards and technology, such as surveillance cameras and access control systems, to maximize protection.
Larger schools with more funding can afford to employ full-time armed security officers or school resource officers trained in both law enforcement and student engagement.
Some districts manage costs by sharing security staff across multiple schools or hiring part-time personnel to cover peak hours and special events.
Get Highly Trained School Security Guards at Bellator Defense
Bellator Defense offers licensed and insured security guards who specialize in campus safety. Our guards are trained to prevent violence, de-escalate conflicts, and ensure that students and staff remain safe in all situations, from everyday activities to large school events.
We also offer security solutions for campus events to ensure order and safety while deterring harmful behaviors. You get access to industry-leading expertise and advanced technologies without the burden of managing an in-house team.
Contact us today to secure your campus.
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