Meeting About Security Matters in Schools

Today I am here to write about very important day of my life. Today I went to Okara Council Hall in Okara city. There was a meeting about schools and security matters. I was little serious about this meeting because it was not a normal gathering. Exactly 121 school representatives were there for this meeting.

Meeting time was 10:30 AM. I reach council hall on time. I do not like being late especially for official meetings. When I reached there, many people were already present. Some were sitting, some were talking with each other. Everyone was waiting. But the meeting did not start on time. We all waited. And waited more. Finally the meeting started around 11:30 AM. One hour delay. Honestly it was little frustrating but this happen often in such meetings. Still everyone stayed calm and waited.

When meeting started, the atmosphere became serious. Officers started talking about school security. They explained that security is now very important for every institute. Not only big schools but small schools also. The points they discussed were many and very serious. First they talked about boundary wall. They said every school must have proper boundary wall. It should be strong and complete. No broken parts. No open areas. After that they talked about razor wire wall. It was clearly told that razor wire should be installed on boundary walls to increase safety.

Then they discussed panic button. Every school should have panic button system. In emergency, it can help a lot. This point was explained with examples. I felt this point was very important. After that topic moved to security guards. They said every school must have security guard with proper uniform. Not just anyone standing there. Trained guard. In uniform. They also talked about gun inspection and training of guards. Weapon should be legal and guard must be trained how to use it properly.

Then they talked about inspection from Special Branch. They said special branch teams will visit schools for inspection. Schools should cooperate fully. This part made many people serious because inspections are not easy. Next important point was metal detector. Schools must use metal detectors at entry points. This will help in checking bags and people. After that CCTV cameras were discussed. Cameras should be working properly. Not just installed for show.

They also talked about vantage point guard. Means guard should be placed at proper position where he can see maximum area. Then barriers were discussed. Entry and exit should be controlled. Another big point was control room. Schools should have a control room where CCTV screens and security systems are monitored. They also talked about search lights for night time visibility. Then they introduced PSCA Public Safety App. They told schools to install and use this app. It helps in emergency reporting and communication. Many people were asking questions about it. One important thing they said was that every institute will be visited. No school will be skipped. And every school must follow these rules. No excuse. No delay. This line was very strong and clear. While listening to all this, I felt this meeting was very important. Security of students is not a joke. These points were serious but necessary. I also felt little pressure because following all these rules is not easy but safety comes first.

After the meeting ended, people started leaving slowly. Some were discussing points with each other. Some were worried. Some were planning what to do next. I walked out of the council hall with many thoughts in my mind. This diary game is important for me because it was not a normal day. It was about responsibility. About safety. About future. I am glad I attended this meeting, even though it started late.