Security remains a priority during summer school

It might be summer but there’s no time off for Lincoln Public Schools when it comes to school security.

As part of its continuous efforts to evaluate and improve the safety of students and staff members, LPS has partnered with the Lincoln Police Department to employ school resource officers (SROs) at Lincoln North Star High School while summer school is in session. SROs from all six high schools each work one of the six weeks of the summer session.

More than 1,700 students are enrolled for the courses at North Star, which are offered daily from 8 to 11:50 a.m., through July 11.

“The officers' presence helps create a safe and secure environment for the students and staff who will spend that time at North Star,” said LPS Director of Security Joe Wright. “The SROs are able to keep in touch with many students from their home high school and have the opportunity to partner in trust relationships with students from all of the other schools, as well.”

Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister said the SROs’ presence at summer school is a natural extension of the work they do during the school year.

“Our officers who serve as school resource officers have a passion to serve the youth. Their presence enhances safety, but the influence extends beyond that role,” Bliemeister said. “The relationships they are building with students, parents and staff are part of a continuum focused on creating an environment where students can excel.”

This week, summer school staff also worked with the LPS security team, the Lincoln Police Department and Lincoln-Lancaster County Emergency Management to practice the same emergency drills conducted numerous times at all schools during the school year:

• A lockdown drill, which is when there is a threat inside the building. Students evacuate as needed, or move into the classroom, away from the corridor line of sight and maintain silence.  

• An evacuation drill, which is when students move in an orderly fashion to a stated location – inside or outside the school – due to a situation inside the building, such as a fire or gas leak.
• And a shelter drill, which is a safety strategy for personal or group protection when there is a danger outside, such as a tornado or gas leak. Students listen for the type of hazard and shelter method. LPS has predetermined safe areas in each school.

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