School Safety and Security Overview

Article XIII-B (School Safety and Security) of the Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949 created the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) within PCCD.  The SSSC was tasked with developing the criteria school entities are to use in performing school safety and security assessments, issuing a survey to school entities to measure school safety and security preparedness, and administering grants.  Amendments  Act 18 of 2019, Act 67 of 2019, and Act 30 of 2020 included the development of a model trauma-informed approach plan; model trainings for threat assessment teams; set training requirements for school resource officers (SROs), school police officers (SPOs) and school security guards; and created a grant program for school entities to address COVID-19.

*NEW* On July 27, 2022, the following materials highlighting the School Safety Amendments of Act 55 of 2022 were presented to the School Safety and Security Committee. The changes to the law include funding for mental health initiatives and physical safety and security in schools, as well as the provision of trainings and other services. Click on the following links for the information provided:  

Act 55 of 2022 Overview for SSSC (July 27 2022).pdf                HB 1642 - Act 55 Summary Information.pdf

More information about the grants and training will be posted as it becomes available. If you have any questions, please submit them to RA-CD-SSSC@pa.gov.