Chandler Unified presents layered school-safety plan, shares threat-assessment and monitoring data

Dr. Dela Torre, a district staff member and presenter, told the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board on Oct. 8 that the district is pursuing a layered approach to school safety that combines physical security, upgraded camera systems, rapid alert tools and expanded student supports.

"If they don't feel safe at school, it's gonna make it more difficult for them to learn," Dr. Dela Torre said, summarizing the district's rationale for combining equipment, people and student services.

The presentation listed several near-term and ongoing efforts. The district said it is about halfway through required five-year threat vulnerability assessments for all campuses and is transitioning its video-recording software from Ocularis to a product called Access, which staff said offers clearer footage, longer retention and potential integrations with AI-assisted anomaly detection. The district also said it has applied for a COPS grant to help fund camera upgrades in higher-need areas.

Staff described a plan to pilot a rapid-alert and visitor-management system called Raptor. Dr. Dela Torre told the board the Raptor alert app or badge can "triangulate where they're at within 10 feet," enabling more rapid campus responses and providing…