Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dorchester 02 outlines new licensed school security officers, SLED training and open-gate screening plans
Summary
Superintendent and security staff described a new program adding licensed, badged security officers to high schools (in addition to SROs), SLED training and annual firearms qualification, random open-gate screenings and camera-room staffing; officers will be armed with level-3 holster retention and can detain to assist police.
Preston, the district's security lead, told the board the program places licensed, badged security officers at each high school in addition to existing SROs and will increase uniformed visibility and school-level coverage. "These security folks are in addition to the SROs, and they kind of bridge the gap between our administrative team and our SROs," Preston said, describing officers' roles: camera-room monitoring, perimeter patrols, random open-gate screenings and quick response duties.
Preston said all officers completed SLED training and firearms qualifications and will use level-3 holster retention to reduce the risk of weapon loss. Board members requested coverage numbers: Preston responded with school-by-school staffing figures (e.g., seven security personnel plus three SROs at Somerville High School; three officers at Ashley Ridge and Fort Dorchester), and said the security unit will support investigations, footage preservation and coordination with SRO partners.
