How POP Works: A Layered Approach

School safety works best in layers. POP adds the most important layer of all: human presence.

Layer 1: Awareness and Presence (Our #1 Prevention Strategy)
Volunteers in high-visibility yellow vests stand at the front entrance and walk the school perimeter. Their visible presence alone is a strong deterrent.

Layer 2: Observe and Report
Equipped with radios, volunteers stay in direct contact with school staff. They watch for open or propped doors, unfamiliar vehicles, unusual behavior, and anything that doesn’t feel right, and they report it immediately.

Layer 3: Partnership With the School
POP volunteers work alongside school administrators, staff, and local law enforcement. They are an extension of the school’s existing safety plan, not a replacement for it.

A Small Commitment. A Big Impact.

The time commitment is minimal.

A team of just 10 parents and grandparents taking turns for about one hour a day can keep eyes on the school throughout the entire day, rotating around the perimeter.

Do the math:

10 volunteers x 1 hour = 10 hours of active watch every school day
That’s about 50 hours a week
And roughly 1,800 hours of added safety over a 180-day school year

All at no cost to the school. The yellow vest costs less than a dollar. The peace of mind is priceless!

Professional Training Led by Dave Reid & Panacea

Every POP volunteer is trained by Dave Reid, who brings more than 27 years of law enforcement experience to the program.

Training is offered quarterly and prepares volunteers to:

Understand their role and boundaries as an observer and reporter
Recognize warning signs and suspicious behavior
Use radios and communicate clearly with school staff
Monitor entrances, exits, and perimeters effectively
Follow school safety protocols and emergency procedures
Know exactly when and how to report a concern

POP volunteers are trained to observe and report, never confront. Their job is to be the eyes and ears that help professionals act quickly.

Trusted, Vetted Volunteers

Every family deserves to know that the adults around their children have been carefully screened. That’s why every POP volunteer completes:

✔ A background check
✔ References from people who can vouch for their character
✔ Required POP training with Dave Reid

Only after completing all three steps does a volunteer put on the yellow vest.

Who Can Volunteer?

POP welcomes:

Parents
Grandparents
Guardians and other caring family members of enrolled students

If you have an hour to give and a heart for keeping kids safe, there’s a place for you on the POP team.

The Greatest Reward of All

POP volunteers don’t get paid. What they get is far better.

They get to know that their child’s school is safer because of them.

They get to see the faces of students walking through the doors each morning, knowing they helped make that walk a little safer. They become role models, community connectors, and a living example of what it means to show up for the people you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does POP cost the school anything?
No. POP is free for schools. The Foundation for Safer Schools provides the training, and the equipment needed is minimal.

How much time do I need to commit?
About one hour per day, on a rotating schedule with other volunteers. Schedules are flexible and coordinated with your school team.

Do volunteers confront anyone?
No. POP volunteers are trained to observe and report to school staff, who then take appropriate action.

How often is training held?
POP training is offered quarterly, so new volunteers can join throughout the year.

What does it take to become a volunteer?
A background check, references, and completion of POP training.

Can our school start a POP program?
Yes. Contact us and we’ll help your school build a POP team from the ground up.