FACT: VBCPS has a comprehensive safety plan, which addresses a variety of security measures.
The division has worked with safety and security experts in developing an all-inclusive plan to both prevent and efficiently react to potential school emergencies. For safety reasons, the division does not publicly release the details of all of its safety plans and procedures; however, the following should be noted:
- There are Virginia Beach police officers in our buildings who work as School Resources Officers (SROs) to support safety efforts and partner with school administrators, students, parents and staff.
- VBCPS is one of only a few school divisions in Virginia with both School Resource Officers and designated security teams in schools.
- Ongoing safety/emergency training is held for administrators, school counselors, school security assistants, social workers and psychological staff.
- A Crisis Response Team in each school leads the response to a variety of potential school emergencies.
- Interior and exterior Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) are in all schools, with exterior school doors either locked or under surveillance.
- School visitor procedures require, as a condition of entry, visitors to present identification, sign in and wear an ID badge.
Following the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on School Safety and Security, the passed a resolution to use more than $1 million in reversion funds to support the panel’s recommendations, specifically to bolster security infrastructure around the division. This includes adding more cameras in schools, expanding access control for staff in buildings, moving security desks closer to school entrances to check in guests as well as increasing external fencing to some school campuses.
In September of 2018, three months ahead of schedule, a new buzz-in system for all 86 of the division’s schools and centers was installed that requires guests and visitors to any school to use a video intercom system at the main entrance to request entry to the building. All visitors press a buzzer to connect with the school’s security staff who can see, hear and speak to individuals requesting entry.
Additionally, the division sought out and was awarded $91,661 by Governor Ralph Northam in School Security Equipment grants to provide additional equipment and select schools. Some of the equipment includes closed circuit cameras, two-way radios, electronic door locks and scanners for the visitor management system.
Above all, though, research and the day-to-day operations in our schools continue to show that the best action to take in preventing school violence is building strong relationships with students, families and the community. The more encouraged visitors, parents and students feel to sharing concerns or information with school administration and police, the more school administration and police have insight to take immediate action in preventing potential incidents.