School Safety

Overview

A subdivision of CISA's Infrastructure Security Division, the School Safety Task Force (SSTF) supports the federal government's efforts in strengthening the safety and security of kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) schools across the country. SSTF's work centers around building the capacity of K-12 schools and districts to protect against and mitigate security threats and risks. It supports schools by developing and deploying practical and tailorable guidance, resources and tools, and by educating K-12 communities on school safety issues, threats and hazards. 

SSTF also coordinates federal school safety efforts through the administration of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse, an interagency collaboration comprised of the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Justice. As part of these efforts, SSTF manages the Clearinghouse’s public website, SchoolSafety.gov, which serves as a comprehensive repository of federal and state resources, programs, tools and evidence-based practices on a range of school safety topics. In addition, SSTF administers the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, a group of school safety experts and education leaders that provides advice and recommendations on ways to enhance K-12 school safety and security. 

For more information on SSTF’s resources, programs and trainings, please visit the School Safety topic page. 

Mission

SSTF enhances the safety and security of schools by:

• Fostering change through outreach, engagement and educational campaigns.
• Facilitating action by creating, coordinating and disseminating resources, products and tools to support schools in implementing and strengthening their security postures.
• Equipping stakeholders with training and expertise to apply recognized best practices in the context of their specific communities, venues and schools.