Start with the school’s context.

A physical site assessment supports a wider safety effort. Agree on the required process, the assessment scope, and who may receive the findings.

Sources checked September 21, 2026

Find the authority for the engagement

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and school system. SchoolSafety.gov’s State Search Tool points to state school safety contacts and resources. Use it to locate the responsible authority, then verify current requirements directly. Record the source, date, required assessment format, assessor qualifications, and reassessment cycle in your engagement file.

Set a practical scope

  • Agree which buildings, grounds, operating hours, and activities are included.
  • Consult staff about arrival, dismissal, after-hours use, and how access is managed.
  • Separate physical observations from claims about an individual’s behavior or intent.
  • Coordinate recommendations with emergency planning, accessibility, fire and building requirements, and the people operating the site.
  • Avoid including student identities or sensitive access details unless necessary and authorized.

Keep the broader safety process in view

SchoolSafety.gov brings together resources on emergency planning, school climate, targeted violence, and other safety topics. A CPTED report is not a substitute for a school’s full safety program or an individual behavioral threat assessment.

Where CPTED NOW fits

Organize field evidence, review draft findings, and prepare a report for authorized decision-makers. Agree on access, retention, and permitted sharing before capturing sensitive school information. The software does not certify school safety or compliance with a state mandate.

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