School safety is a layered effort. While comprehensive emergency planning is essential, the California Education Code (Ed. Code) also includes requirements, such as interior classroom locks, that directly impact how quickly staff and students can secure themselves in a crisis.
All newly constructed schools (Ed. Code 17075.50) and any schools undergoing state-funded modernization, alterations, or renovations (Ed. Code 17586) are required to install locks that allow classroom doors (and other occupied rooms with five or more people) to be secured from the inside.
The intent is simple: in the event of a threat, teachers and students can lock down quickly from inside the classroom.
For schools that don’t fall under these rules, such as older campuses that haven’t recently been modernized with state funds, interior locks are still a critical safety measure. Even though not every building is required to have them, districts should consider installing or upgrading interior locks as part of their overall safety planning. One unsecured classroom can undermine otherwise strong security measures.
Locks are only part of the equation. Preparedness through practice is equally important. California requires every district to have a Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) that includes procedures for conducting tactical responses to criminal incidents.
Many districts conduct regular lockdown or multi-option drills as part of their CSSP implementation and continuous improvement each year. These drills should be age-appropriate and mindful of student well-being. Done correctly, these drills improve staff and student response times, reduce panic by building confidence in procedures, and reveal gaps in communication or physical security measures.
The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center offers free tools, templates, and training to help districts strengthen both physical safeguards and preparedness drills. Their resources include emergency operations plan guides, drill evaluation checklists, and trauma-informed safety strategies.
Pairing secure classroom doors with thoughtful, well-planned drills is one of the most effective ways districts can prepare for the unthinkable and protect their communities.
For inquiries regarding classroom security and preparedness, contact PRISM Risk Control.