Security briefing provides updates, examples and messages of safety

As much as school curriculum might change from year to year, school security changes too.

About 40 school staff members, school resource officers and other interested parties met to learn, discuss and better familiarize themselves with school security.

“We have to keep current to keep kids safe,” said Bill Kuehn, director of Security for Lincoln Public Schools.

Those attending included school security supervisors, all the school resource officers (SROs) which are Lincoln Police officers assigned to schools, high school assistant principals and other interested police offices. 

The topics are meant as refreshers: what are the latest trends in drug use and gang activity, how will the local law enforcement proceed on instances such as active shootings, and how does social media impact what happens locally.

Attendees also get to look at sample explosive devices, a list and photos of prescription drugs and ask questions about legal issues that need to be considered.

For example, in some cases a school official such as a principal can be in a better position than a school resource office can to conduct a search. And the SRO can provide needed assistance and information to a school staff member.

SRO’s play another key role in schools, that of a trusted friend, Kuehn said. Officers work to form bonds that help students feel safe and may contribute to gleaning key information.

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Published: August 13, 2012
Updated: August 13, 2012