Last modified: October 21, 2024

Policy 6800 P1: School Safety and Security Specialist

The Superintendent or designee, working in concert with each school principal, will ensure that a School Safety and Security Safety Specialist is designated and installed from the employees of each relevant campus within the district. This procedure outlines the responsibilities of the district, its school administrators, and the School Safety and Security Specialist as pertaining to HB 84, formerly known as HB 61.

1. The School Safety and Security Specialist:
   • may not be the principal of a school; and
   • may be the School Safety and Security Director at one campus within the Provo City School District.
2. The School Safety and Security Specialist at each campus shall:
   • report directly to the school principal;
   • oversee school safety and security practices to ensure a safe and secure school environment for students and staff;
   • ensure adherence with all policies, procedures, protocols, rules, and regulations relating to school safety and security through collaborating and maintaining effective communications with the following as applicable:
     • the principal;
     • school staff;
     • the School Resource Officer;
     • the armed security guard (if applicable);
     • the school guardian;
     • local law enforcement;
     • the County Security Chief;
     • the School Safety and Security Director; the district; and
     • school-based behavioral and mental health professionals;
   • in collaboration with the county Security Chief or their designee described in Section 52-22-103, the School Safety and Security Specialist shall:
     • conduct the school safety needs assessment described in Section 53G-8-701.5; and
     • conduct a building safety evaluation, at least annually, using the results of the school safety needs assessment to recommend and implement improvements to school facilities, policies, procedures, protocols, rules, and regulations relating to school safety and security;
   • if the specialist is also an employee of the district, they shall participate on the multidisciplinary team that the district establishes;
   • conduct a behavioral threat assessment when the School Safety and Security Specialist deems necessary using an evidence-based tool the State Security Chief recommends in consultation with the school safety center and the Office of Substance Abuse and mental Health;
   • regularly monitor and report to the school principal, local law enforcement, and, if applicable, to the Superintendent or designee, security risks for the school resulting from:
     • issues with school facilities; or
     • the implementation of practices, policies, procedures, and protocols related to school safety and security;
   • coordinate with local first responder agencies to implement and monitor safety and security drills in accordance with policy and applicable procedures and protocols;
   • following an event where security of the school has been significantly been compromised, organize a debriefing with the individuals listed in Subsection (3)(c) regarding strengthening school safety and security practices, policies, procedures, and protocols;
   • abide by any District, school, or law enforcement agency policy outlining the chain of command;
   • during an emergency, coordinate with the following individuals, as applicable, the;
     • school resource officer;
     • school guardian;
     • armed security guards (if applicable);
     • school administrators; and
     • responding law enforcement officers;
   • follow any District, school, or law enforcement agency student privacy policies, including state and federal laws;
   • participate in an annual training the State Security Chief selects in consultation with the School Safety Center; and
   • remain current on:
     • a comprehensive school guideline the State Security Chief selects;
     • the duties of a school Safety and Security Specialist; and
     • the school’s Emergency Response Plan.
3. During an active emergency at the school, the School Safety and Security Specialist is subordinate to any responding law enforcement officers.

Legal References

• Utah State Legislature House Bill 84

Adopted

• October 8, 2024

Related Procedure

• Policy No. 6800: School Safety and Security Specialist