Working With Law Enforcement in Schools Presented by: Janell Logue-Belden Principal, Sto-Rox Middle School Anthony Ligouri Officer, Kennedy Twp. Police Department Governor s Institute August 3, 2005
Questions to consider when building your Safety Plan Do you work cooperatively now with your local police department? What types of services do local law enforcement authorities currently provide to your school? Do students and staff know the officers on duty? More importantly, would they recognize members of the police force and feel comfortable with them? Is your local police department aware of the school evacuation plans or crisis plans?
A few more questions for your consideration Do students have an opportunity to see the officers outside of the law enforcement setting? Have you utilized the police department for any trainings for your faculty? What are some ways that your school works well with law enforcement? What are some ways in which you would like to see more involvement with law enforcement in your school?
What does it mean for schools to work with law enforcement? Establish a good working relationship with the officers and the chief of police. Understand that educational establishments are different than police departments. Once law enforcement arrives, they take over. Have an agreement and practice how you would work collaboratively together in a crisis.
What does it mean for schools to work with law enforcement? Give the officers opportunities to be visible in the building and have them interact with the students. Realize that not all visits will be positive and proactive. There will be instances where the officers must make arrests. Provide opportunities for law enforcement to interact with parents. A good relationship between police and school administration benefits everyone in a time of crisis.
Examples of How Sto-Rox Middle School interacts with Local Law Enforcement Daily Building Walk-Thru Bus Duty/Dismissals Disgruntled parents Lunch room Duty Attend workshops on school safety together Safety Drills/Safety Plans/Blueprints of school Programs presented by law enforcement
Safety Plans Do you currently have a safety plan in place? Is law enforcement included on your safety team? Would your police department know your procedures in the event of an emergency?
When developing a Building Safety Plan Make it a point to know the officers in your local police department. Invite the officers to be involved in the safety meetings and the school safety plans. Invite officers to participate in drills at the school and analyze the feedback. Request that local law enforcement identify other services available to the school.
Sample Safety Plan
Programs available to Students Junior Police Academy Adopt-A-School D.A.R.E. S.A.D.D.
Junior Police Academy Sponsored by a grant through the Allegheny County Police Department Enables students to explore the law enforcement field and to gain insight into the life of a law enforcement officer Illustrates career opportunities Eight week course includes various demonstrations
Junior Police Academy Topics Juvenile Justice System Police Operations Personal Safety/CPR Financial Crimes/Identity Theft Child Abuse School Based Crime Watch Graduation
Adopt-A-School The Adopt-A-School initiative is sponsored by the FBI, the US Attorney s Office and the Allegheny County District Attorney s Office 1998 - First meetings were organized 1999 - First Class was introduced One School, 25 partners, 300 students 2004 - The number grew to 50 schools with over 400 partners, 200,000 school based students and 50,000 youth group students
Adopt-A-School Mission Statement To provide a comprehensive youth program that deals with multiple interrelated societal problems, including drugs, crime, gangs and violence, in support of the FBI s Adopt-A-School Initiative in partnership with other Federal, state, county and local law enforcement, as well as human service agencies and the business community.
Adopt-A-School Goals To improve students performance and attendance To encourage students to have a positive self image To encourage students to choose a lifestyle free from crime, drugs, gangs and violence To provide students with exemplary role models and / or mentors To encourage students to become responsible and accountable citizens To encourage students to explore and consider a career in law enforcement
Adopt-A-School (Con t) Historically, law enforcement efforts have been reactive in nature. The Adopt-A-School Initiative provides proactive and consistent programming that delivers a constant flow of resources into the school to assist young people in solving aspects of their lives that place them at risk.
Action Plan Get together with your group and outline how your School works with law enforcement What do you currently have in place that works well What needs to be improved Identify four things that you can do when you Return from the institute to make your building Safe and build a strong relationship with your Law enforcement partner
Thank You For more information on the topics presented today, please contact: Janell Logue-Belden 412-771-3213 ext. 2010 Anthony Ligouri 412-331-2408