Volusia Sheriff's Office and schools review 2024 safety partnership; officials say technology and training helped avert tragedies

Captain Todd Smith, director of safety and security for Volusia County Schools, presented a 2024 year‑in‑review with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office at the Feb. 25 meeting, describing technology‑based monitoring and training that district officials said helped identify student safety threats and connect students to services.

"During 2024, we literally saved lives," Smith told the board, recounting two incidents in which digital monitoring alerted staff to communications indicating imminent self‑harm; after follow‑up the students were connected to treatment. Smith said the district and sheriff’s office use mapping tools (Syntegix), high‑definition cameras and training for school resource deputies; he also highlighted an autism kit rollout for deputies, a gun‑safety brochure for parents, and the return of the D.A.R.E. program.

The presentation summarized accomplishments including compliance audits, expanded audits with no deficiencies reported, specialized crisis intervention training for deputies, expanded school resource staffing and volunteer traffic‑safety programs for crossings. Smith said the district and sheriff’s office implemented random metal detector screenings, integrated mapping and improved incident notification tools.

Board members thanked Smith and his staff for their work and asked for continued coordination. The superintendent and school officials said the partnership aligns with district guardrails for safe learning conditions and that technology and interagency coordination will remain priorities.

Why it matters: the presentation outlined how technology, training, and interagency coordination are used to detect and respond to safety threats, a central concern for school operations and community confidence.

The board did not take action on the presentation; the item provided information and a status update to the board and public.