Orange County NC Website
3. General Overview of Safety and Law Enforcement Practices and Activities at <br /> Schools Regarding: <br /> • Protests/Demonstrations <br /> • Active Assailants <br /> • Public Access to School Property During School Hours Review of the Task <br /> Force Charge and Timeline <br /> Co-Chair McKee introduced the topic, noting that representatives from the four law <br /> enforcement agencies on the Task Force would speak, followed by representatives from <br /> both school systems. It was further noted that Facilitator Jay Bryan had mailed three <br /> questions to assist the speakers in framing their comments. Those questions were: <br /> • What is happening within the schools to address these safety areas? <br /> • What is one example of school safety challenges in the three areas? <br /> • How do law enforcement and the schools coordinate to protect schools and <br /> address these safety areas? <br /> Task Force Member Tina Sykes shared information regarding efforts related to schools <br /> and Protests/Demonstrations, noting that pre-planning meetings occur for an upcoming <br /> event, increased law enforcement is provided, and there is a debriefing after an event. <br /> She noted that school safety challenges included educating people on criminal behavior <br /> versus anti-social behavior, and explaining the constitutional and statutory limitations <br /> placed on law enforcement. She added that communication was key in coordinating <br /> school safety and having a clear understanding of everyone's roles, and that pre-planning <br /> meetings with all the agencies involved was important. <br /> Regarding school safety activities related to Active Assailants, Task Force Member Sykes <br /> commented that Certified School Resource Officers (SROs) were present in all Orange <br /> County Schools, including the elementary schools. She noted that SROs conduct annual <br /> Active Assailant training utilizing the Orange County school campuses and that the <br /> Sheriff's Office has a field training program for new deputies which includes time at <br /> Orange County schools to become familiar with school layouts. She also referenced the <br /> Say Something anonymous reporting system as well as SROs being on sight for in- <br /> person reporting. She noted school layouts and social media as challenges in this area. <br /> In preparation for potential events, Task Force Member Sykes noted the ongoing and <br /> frequent communication that occurs and quarterly public safety meetings involving law <br /> enforcement, fire department personnel and emergency medical services. Annual <br /> training also occurs for school resource officers and administration, and there are <br /> planning sessions involving schools and the Sheriff's Office in preparation for an <br /> upcoming event involving schools and public. In addition, after an event, an after-action <br /> meeting occurs discuss the pros and cons. <br /> Regarding safety activities related to public access during school hours, Task Force <br /> Member Sykes noted the presence of School Resource Officers in the building, the Visitor <br /> Management System, and efforts to eliminate risks associated with the public on school <br /> campuses during the school day, such as no school/teacher work day on Election Day. <br />