On August 21, 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2019-21D creating the Ohio School Safety Center within Ohio Homeland Security. The Center is responsible for assisting local schools and law enforcement with preventing, preparing for, and responding to threats and acts of violence, including self-harm, through a holistic, solutions-based approach to improving school safety.

The mission of the Center is to provide guidance to Ohio schools in order to enhance their strategies for safety, security, and emergency plan development in accordance with the School Climate Guidelines, School Safety/Emergency Operations Plan Template and Ohio Law.

The Center’s goal is providing support to schools in their effort to ensure the safety of their students, employees, and visitors through effective policies and procedures, training, and community and interagency involvement.