Agenda Materials for April 13, 2023 Schools Safety Task Force Meeting

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She noted that educating students and staff concerning the importance of limiting access to buildings was a challenge. Coordinating to protect schools included: ongoing and frequent communication; planning sessions involving schools and the Sheriff's Office in preparation for an upcoming event with multiple meetings with all agencies involved; signage, and conducting after-action meetings to discuss what went well and what was learned from events Task Force Member Andy Simmons shared that Captain Sykes had addressed all the relevant issues and that there was not much additional to share. He commented that the Hillsborough Police Department partners with the Sheriff's Office in school safety efforts and events and with the school safety staff and administration. Task Force Member Chris Atack stated that Carrboro law enforcement coordinated with the Chapel Hill Police Department, the Sheriff's Office and school safety staff. He referenced the assignment of School Resource Officers (SROs) in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) middle schools and high schools and that SROs were not located in the CHCCS elementary schools. He noted that relationships were critical to planning for and ensuring safety. Task Force Member Atack continued that Carrboro provided investigative support to the schools and helped with threat assessments, and noted that public access to school facilities was a challenge to address. He added that Carrboro law enforcement conducted both in-service training and field training to plan for and address school safety concerns and events. Task Force Member Paul Bell shared that the previous speakers had covered most of the issues and that there was not much additional to share. He confirmed that Chapel Hill law enforcement utilized the same strategies to support the schools and safety. Task Force Alternate Andre Stewart shared that Captain Sykes had covered the topic for everyone. He noted that communication was key, and daily communication was important. He commented on the public access concerns related to schools and referenced visitor management, schools closure on election days, and meetings that occur on school campuses. He referred to the Standard Response Protocols and the five steps utilized to coordinate work between the schools and law enforcement, and noted that safety plans are shared with the CHCCS Board of Education. Task Force Alternate Patrick Abele expressed appreciation to law enforcement, including the 911 center, for their efforts related to school safety. He noted that a definite challenge for schools is the unknown demonstration or protest that might occur and its impact on students, staff, school access and the school property. For known events, school safety plans are in place, but not for unknown events. He also noted that safety planning for school board meetings is different from planning for schools since schools have limited public access, and school board meetings have different protocols and processes. He continued that Orange County Schools (OCS) staff work with law enforcement both before and after events and are always looking for ways to work better together.