JEDDAH: Education Minister Ahmed Al-Issa has issued an order to establish a department for school security. It will be be linked organizationally to the general supervisor of school safety and security at the ministry.

According to the decision, school guards will come under the General Department for School Safety and Security rather than under the education departments.

According to Majed bin Obaid Al-Harbi, the general supervisor of school security and safety at the ministry, the education minister’s aim is to secure school buildings and avoid any outside safety and security risks. He confirmed that school security departments around the Kingdom will be responsible for putting in place operational, cooperation and preparation plans for any emergencies affecting schools, as well as coordinating with internal and external participants to take any necessary measures to protect lives and property.

These departments will also make use of advanced systems with regard to human relations and professionalism in dealing with school officials and visitors, said Al-Harbi.

He said the ministry was also working on developing and training school guards in school safety and security standards and skills to help them deal with any emergency. Guards will be linked electronically to a communication network.

Upon the introduction of these safety departments, he said all educational departments would be involved in the formation of a crisis team to address any school crises as well as participating in training and forums to promote awareness and understanding pertaining to school security and safety.

The education minister has previously instructed all education departments not to lock emergency exits in school and to leave them open throughout the duration of the school day.