Following the resumption of schools across Abia State, the state’s police command has advised school authorities, parents and students on crucial strategies to prioritize their safety.
The security strategies were unveiled by ASP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Abia State Police Command, in a statement she issued in Umuahia.
The statement advised school management to conduct thorough security assessments of their school premises, identify vulnerable areas and ensure that security personnel are stationed at critical entry points of schools.
It advised that trained security personnel they employed should liaise with the police to provide additional support as needed, even as it asked schools in the State to install and maintain Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in strategic locations within school premises to monitor activities.
The command suggested that strict access control measures, including the use of access cards and visitor logs, should be implemented by school authorities where all visitors should sign in and obtain visitor passes even as it advised school management to train their staff on various security situations like fire, lockdowns and evacuation procedures.
It said clear lines of communication with local law enforcement agencies and the community should be established for information availability and updates, adding that any suspicious activities around school environments should be promptly reported to security agencies.
The statement urged parents to maintain open lines of communication with their children in school by staying informed about any security updates or changes in school policies.
Apart from these, the Abia State Police Command advised parents to provide schools with updated emergency contact information so they can be reached in any emergency situation.
“If your child commutes to school, ensure they use safe and reliable transportation options. Know the details of the route and driver”, the statement advised Abia parents further.