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School security has become one of the most critical — and most scrutinized — aspects of modern education. From security cameras to armed officers, schools are investing more than ever to protect students and staff. This page compiles the most current, verified statistics on school security measures, shooting incidents, and the evolving landscape of K-12 safety across the United States.
The data on school shootings in recent years paints a complex picture — one of persistent danger but also of measurable improvement. Understanding these figures is essential for school administrators, security professionals, and policymakers working to make schools safer.
The 2024–25 school year recorded 254 shooting incidents on K-12 campuses, representing a significant drop from the approximately 330-incident average seen over the previous three school years. This data, compiled by the K-12 School Shooting Database, was reported by Campus Safety Magazine in 2025.
By calendar year, the numbers tell a similar story of gradual decline:
| Year | Shooting Incidents | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 (calendar year) | 219+ | K-12 Dive / Everytown |
| 2024–25 (school year) | 254 | Campus Safety Magazine |
| 2025 (calendar year) | 233 | Omnilert / K-12 SSDB |
While any shooting on school grounds is unacceptable, the downward trend in the 2024–25 school year offers cautious hope that security investments and policy changes may be taking effect.
Between 2000 and 2022, 131 people were killed and 197 wounded in active shooter incidents at K-12 schools — a total of 328 casualties over more than two decades. This data comes from the FBI and was compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Gun violence fatalities nationally reached approximately 38,760 in 2025, down from 41,044 in 2024, according to K-12 Dive. The overall decline in gun deaths has corresponded with reduced incidents on school campuses as well.
Perhaps the most alarming long-term statistic is how dramatically student exposure to school shootings has increased. According to a major study by KFF and The Washington Post, student exposure to school shootings has nearly tripled over two decades:
This 168% increase in exposure rates means that millions of additional students have been directly or indirectly affected by gun violence in their learning environments. The psychological toll — including PTSD, anxiety, and chronic absenteeism — extends far beyond the immediate victims.
These figures underscore why school security has shifted from a "nice-to-have" to an absolute necessity in modern education. Schools that invest in professional security services, layered access controls, and trained personnel are better positioned to prevent incidents and respond effectively when they occur.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducts the School Survey on Crime and Safety (SSOCS), which provides the most comprehensive picture of security practices in American public schools. The 2021–22 survey results reveal how extensively schools have adopted security measures:
| Security Measure | % of Schools | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled access to buildings during school hours | 97% | Near-universal |
| Visitor sign-in and badge requirement | 97% | Near-universal |
| Security cameras | 93% | Up from 61% (2009–10) |
| Locked entrance/exit doors during the day | 85% | Widely adopted |
| Security guards or assigned police officers | 75% (students reporting) | Standard practice |
| Anonymous threat reporting system | 62% | Up from 36% (2009–10) |
| Security staff on-site weekly | 61% | Down from 65% (2019–20) |
| Random metal detector checks | 6% | Rare |
| Daily metal detector checks | 2% | Very rare |
Source: All figures from NCES SSOCS 2021–22 and NCES Condition of Education Indicator.
Access control is the cornerstone of school security, and the numbers show that American schools have embraced this concept almost universally. According to NCES data from 2021–22:
These nearly universal adoption rates demonstrate that access control is no longer optional — it's the baseline expectation for any school in America. However, the effectiveness of access control depends entirely on implementation quality. A locked door with a buzzer is meaningless if anyone can be buzzed in without verification.
"Access control is only as strong as the people managing it. Technology opens and closes doors — but trained security professionals make the judgment calls about who gets through. Schools need both the systems and the staffing to make their security programs truly effective."
— Amanda DeAlmeida, Executive Vice President, Building Security Services
Effective school access control includes multiple layers: perimeter fencing, single-point entry, visitor management systems with background screening capabilities, ID badge protocols, and trained security personnel who can verify identities and assess threats in real time. BSS provides comprehensive school security services that integrate all of these layers into a cohesive program.
Despite the proven value of on-site security professionals, the data reveals a concerning gap. According to NCES SSOCS 2021–22:
The decline in on-site security staff is troubling for several reasons. The 2019–20 to 2021–22 period coincided with widespread debates about police in schools and budget pressures from the pandemic. But the threat landscape hasn't diminished — if anything, the 168% increase in student exposure to shootings over two decades argues for more security staffing, not less.
Professional security guards in school settings serve functions that go far beyond standing at a door. Their responsibilities typically include:
The most effective school security programs use trained, professional security guard services who understand the unique dynamics of educational environments. Guards who are specifically trained for school settings know how to balance vigilance with approachability — keeping campuses safe without creating a prison-like atmosphere.
Nationally, the security industry employs 1,272,400 security guards across all sectors (BLS, 2024). Educational services represent a significant employer within this market, with the BLS reporting that schools and educational institutions are among the top five sectors for security guard employment (BLS OEWS, 2023).
The educational services sector reports a workplace violence rate of 8.4 incidents per 10,000 full-time equivalent workers — nearly three times the overall private industry average — underscoring the real risks that security personnel help mitigate (BLS, 2021–2022).
The growth of surveillance technology in schools has been one of the most dramatic shifts in K-12 security over the past 15 years. According to NCES data:
This massive adoption rate reflects falling technology costs, increasing ease of installation, and growing recognition that camera systems are essential for both deterrence and post-incident investigation.
Modern school security extends well beyond basic CCTV. Today's schools are increasingly deploying integrated technology solutions that include:
However, technology alone is not a security plan. Cameras cannot intervene in a developing threat. Gunshot detection systems react after shots are fired. The most effective school security programs pair technology with trained human professionals who can interpret data, make judgment calls, and physically respond when needed. BSS's school security programs are designed around this human-plus-technology approach.
Despite public perception, metal detectors remain uncommon in American schools. NCES data shows:
The low adoption rate reflects concerns about cost, throughput (getting students through detectors quickly enough), and the institutional culture impact. Many schools prefer the layered security approach — combining access control, cameras, security personnel, and threat reporting — over metal detectors alone.
One of the most significant positive trends in school security is the growth of anonymous threat reporting systems. According to NCES:
This 72% increase in adoption reflects growing recognition that students and staff are often the first to notice warning signs. Providing a safe, anonymous way to report concerns has proven effective at preventing incidents before they escalate.
One of the most successful anonymous tip programs is the "Say Something" tip line operated by Sandy Hook Promise. According to reporting from PublicSchoolReview (citing The Washington Post):
These numbers demonstrate the enormous scale at which anonymous reporting works. Each of those 18 intercepted threats represents a potential tragedy that was prevented because someone felt empowered and safe enough to speak up.
Threat reporting systems work best when they're part of a comprehensive security ecosystem — one that includes trained security personnel who can evaluate reports, coordinate with law enforcement, and take protective action. Schools that pair tip lines with professional security guard services are best positioned to act on intelligence quickly and effectively.
The statistics tell a clear story: schools have made substantial progress in adopting security measures, but significant gaps remain — particularly in on-site security staffing. Here's what the data suggests for the path forward:
The fact that only 61% of schools have security staff present weekly — and that this number is declining — is a critical concern. While technology adoption has skyrocketed (93% camera coverage), human security presence has moved in the opposite direction. This imbalance leaves schools with sophisticated monitoring capabilities but inadequate response capacity.
The most secure schools in America employ a layered approach that combines:
No single layer is sufficient on its own. The data consistently shows that the most effective school security programs are those that invest across all five layers simultaneously.
"When we work with school districts, the conversation always starts with risk assessment — understanding the specific threats and vulnerabilities unique to each campus. A school in an urban setting faces different challenges than one in a suburban community. Cookie-cutter security doesn't work. The statistics show that schools with tailored, comprehensive security programs see measurably better outcomes."
— Amanda DeAlmeida, Executive Vice President, Building Security Services
The human cost of inadequate school security is measured in lives, trauma, and shattered communities. But there is also a practical cost: schools that experience security incidents face lawsuits, enrollment declines, staff turnover, and lasting reputational damage. Investing in professional security services is not just a safety measure — it's a responsibility.
The workplace violence data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that educational services experience violence at a rate of 8.4 per 10,000 FTE — significantly above the private industry average. Schools are high-risk environments that require dedicated security solutions.
Building Security Services provides trained, professional security guards for K-12 schools, universities, and educational institutions across the New York and New Jersey metro area. Our school security programs are tailored to your campus, your community, and your budget.
Request a Free Security Assessment →All statistics cited on this page are drawn from verified, authoritative sources including federal agencies, academic institutions, and recognized research organizations. We prioritize primary sources and note the publication year for each data point. Key sources include:
Methodology note: This page compiles statistics from multiple authoritative sources to provide a comprehensive overview of school security in the United States. Where data comes from surveys (e.g., NCES SSOCS), we note the survey period. Shooting incident counts vary between sources due to differing definitions and inclusion criteria (e.g., school year vs. calendar year, on-campus vs. near-campus). We present multiple data points where discrepancies exist to provide the fullest picture possible.
This page is maintained by Building Security Services (BSS) and is updated periodically as new data becomes available. For questions about our school security services or to request a consultation, please contact us.
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