They suggest that after surveying the equipment available, administrators should consult a qualified engineer with no vested interest before making a decision. Metal detectors are expensive and controversial. In a 1988 New York City pilot program, security guards checked for weapons with hand-held metal detectors. Traditional methods can help protect school property and personnel without a large initial investment. Blauvelt gives a number of crime-prevention tips, ranging from inventory procedures to suggesting teachers collect money during the first period if students bring money to school for a special purpose.
Supervision is important both in controlling student problems and in preventing intrusions.
Schools may assign staff to patrol halls or cafeterias, have parents and community volunteers monitor reception areas, or hire security guards. A police liaison program proved highly successful at Rich East High School in Park Forest, Illinois. First of all, it is important to establish clear, consistent discipline in the school environment. If, on the other hand, the atmosphere is one of hostility and insensitivity in which students are continually subjected to criticism and failure, serious disciplinary problems and criminal behaviors are likely to erupt. Stover describes the principal's role in setting the tone of a school, including encouraging cooperation among staff members, being personally visible, promoting student involvement, and seeing that students and staff with personal problems get help.