School Administrators Learn Lesson in School Security
By: Ali Touhey
Updated: January 15, 2013
"What does the SWAT Team do," asked O'Flynn. "I'm going to explain how they'll be supporting the local police and then some of the mindsets that we've found through situations we've had."
The sheriff didn't address having armed security guards or metal detectors in schools.
He had an initial meeting with school officials back in November.
He said the presentation was both a follow up to that discussion and also in response to last month's shooting in Newtown, Connecticut where a gunman opened fire in Sandy Hook Elementary School."Police agencies and school districts have been getting a lot of questions, a lot of calls and wondering how the safety and security programs are."
Brighton School Superintendent Dr. Kevin McGowan is one of dozens of school leaders in attendence.
"I feel like it's very safe," said McGowan. "I feel like it's very safe because we have a caring, and compassionate community that is intouch with the wellness of our students. That doesn't mean we can't continue to learn and adjust what we do. "
Prior to Tuesday's meeting, and in light of the Sandy Hook tragedy, McGowan says he was already making changes to security. Mainly--having a staff member man every entrance and requiring that every visitor buzz the main office before being allow into the building.
"We felt very comfortable before. but we also felt like we need to make our community feel as though those entrances were a little bit more secure. I just hope to learn," McGowan explained. "We're also looking to adjust our plans based on new information."
Any and all security changes will be up to the school's administration.
