Law requires installation of secure key boxes in Minnesota K-12 schools to accelerate law enforcement response.
The Minnesota Bonding Bill, recently signed into law, will help law enforcement gain quicker access to locked-down schools during emergencies. The $700 million bill includes a $1 million grant for public, private, and charter schools to install special law enforcement key boxes on school buildings.
As the makers of the secure KnoxBox, we applaud the leadership of Minnesota Rep. Julie Greene, DFL-Edina, who spearheaded the effort to ensure law enforcement access and obtained widespread support throughout the state. Knox manufactures key safes that comply with the bill’s criteria.
“We are ready to work with K-12 schools across Minnesota and help them provide access to law enforcement when and where they need it,” said Chris Rovenstine, vice president of marketing and sales for Knox. “In an active shooter situation or other hostile event, seconds do matter. The new law aims to eliminate the need for forced entry and can save precious time for first responders, minimizing critical delays, property damage, and personal injuries while helping resolve the incident as efficiently as possible."
How does KnoxEntry for Schools support compliance with the Minnesota Bonding Bill Law?
The KnoxEntry for Schools program provides boxes that are compliant with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 1037 requirement specified in the new law. This UL listing provides schools with confidence that the key boxes will resist attempts to be tampered with or vandalized and that the keys and contents of the box are secure. Other KnoxEntry System products are available to integrate, including padlocks, gate switches, electronic lock cores for doors and cabinets, narcotics vaults, and other safety and security products for daily use.
“This is one that will impact everyone in Minnesota, all schools,” said Rep. Jeff Witte, R-Lakeville, a former police officer who supported the legislation. Commenting on school safety on KSTP, Greene added, “This can dramatically speed up law enforcement response to stop the threat, essentially protecting students and staff.”
What if a school already has a KnoxBox for fire department use? Does the Minnesota Bonding Bill/Law require another one for law enforcement?
For schools that have already installed a KnoxBox for fire department use, adding a box specifically for law enforcement is necessary for strategic placement and optimal tactical response, ensuring it is out of the line of sight of the shooter. Additionally, a larger box is desired by law enforcement to secure all the access items they require, such as master external and internal keys, access cards, and building floor plans.
The U.S. Department of Justice recommended secure lock boxes for law enforcement in schools in its February 2024 Critical Incident Review of the Response to the Robb Elementary School Shooting, which took place May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas.