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Security update: division expands access control, adds positions and describes layered school security approach
Summary
The Office of Security and Emergency Management reported security training, infrastructure upgrades at 14 schools, perimeter fencing and an allocation that provides every elementary school with two security assistants; officials described a layered model including SSOs and SROs.
Tommy Shattuck, director of the Office of Security and Emergency Management, briefed the school board Sept. 9 on summer security work and staffing. Shattuck said the office concentrated on training, personnel and infrastructure and that security upgrades occurred at 14 schools using state grant funds.
"Our mission remains clear: provides a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and guests," Shattuck said. He described security training for principals and assistant principals, joint training with the Virginia Beach Police Department for SROs and annual firearms qualifications for armed school security officers. He added the division used state SSO incentive grant funds to provide 15 additional security assistants at the elementary level so that, for the first time, every elementary school now has allocations for two security assistants.
Shattuck said the division expanded access control systems and installed new high‑definition cameras at covered schools. He also reported perimeter fencing projects at Kingston and Fairfield elementary schools, supports for portable classroom security at Woodstock Elementary and security support for the Harbor Hope Center recovery school.
Board members sought clarity about security layers in schools. Shattuck and staff explained that VBCPS employees include security assistants (unarmed), school security officers one (unarmed, typically retired law enforcement) and school security officers two (armed SSO twos). In addition, the Virginia Beach Police Department provides SROs (assigned at secondary schools). High schools and middle schools typically have assigned SROs and SSO staff; elementary schools are covered by the allocation of two security assistants and by police support on an as‑needed basis.
Officials noted a tension between providing useful public information and protecting security details; they said they will continue to meet with the board and police to balance transparency and operational security.
Ending: The office recommended continued coordination with the police department and quarterly reviews through the Virginia Beach School Safety Task Force to monitor training, infrastructure and personnel needs.
