During a recent government meeting, security personnel raised significant concerns regarding staffing and operational practices within the school security framework. The discussion highlighted issues surrounding last-minute overtime notifications, which many guards found unfair, particularly given their family commitments.
One security guard expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding work assignments, noting that they often receive information too late to make necessary arrangements. This has been compounded by the presence of contracted security personnel from NASTEC, who have been assigned to various duties traditionally handled by the school's own security staff.
The guards pointed out that NASTEC employees have been working extended hours, including weekends, while school security staff are left uninformed about critical operations such as fire drills and graduation events. This has raised concerns about the adequacy of security measures in schools, especially when guards are not being utilized for essential tasks.
Additionally, the guards criticized the decision to have NASTEC personnel working inside the schools with firearms, which they argued is inappropriate given their role. They also highlighted a troubling trend of hiring new security staff primarily for weekend shifts, leaving weekday coverage lacking and exacerbating existing staffing shortages.
Despite raising these issues with human resources and management, the guards reported feeling ignored, emphasizing the urgent need for a reassessment of security staffing and communication protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff alike. The meeting underscored the critical need for improved management practices in school security operations.