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Camden County Chiefs of Police Association

Protocols for Securing a School(s) During an Emergency Model Policy

Applicable to Police, Fire, and Schools

Initial: 11/2007 Revised: 8/26/13 Effective: 9/23/13

SECTION OPERATIONS EFFECTIVE 9-23-13 REVISED

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SUBJECT: Securing Schools During an Emergency PURPOSE: Unanticipated tragic events can quickly escalate into a school catastrophe if not dealt with immediately and effectively. Knowing what to do when a crisis occurs can minimize the chaos, rumors, and the impact of the event on students, staff and community. Establishing a common set of policies and guidelines to be available for utilization by every school throughout Camden County and surrounding jurisdictions will help ensure that emergency personnel can act in unison regardless of jurisdiction. It is of great importance to empower initial responding officers with the authority and responsibility to take immediate action, consistent with their training and experience, to contain and if necessary to neutralize active assailants. It is essential that school administrators, school staff, and all first responders are prepared to respond appropriately to violent criminal acts, natural emergencies, and general concerns for the safety of students and staff. POLICY: It is the policy of Camden County Police Departments, that all police personnel shall follow the procedures as outlined in this policy as they relate to any public, private, charter, elementary, middle, or secondary (high school). DEFINITIONS – QUICK REFERENCE

Term Short Definition Page

Lockout Recovers all persons from outside of the building and secures the building perimeter.

5

Shelter In Place

Recovers all persons from outside of the building. All persons are to remain in classrooms/instructional areas. No movement in hallways or other common areas including the changing of classes. All interior doors are locked.

8

Lockdown

Significant threat to the safety of the students and staff. All interior/exterior doors are locked. All occupants seek cover and concealment to protect from active assailant.

12

Non Fire Evacuation Students, staff, and other occupants are directed to evacuate to a specific area as directed.

15

Room Clear

Directs the occupants of a specific classroom or area to immediately leave the room or area and relocate to another location under the care of a staff member.

16

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DSE The school entrance/exit designated by the School Officer In Charge and/or the IC as the location that will be monitored during a security protocol event. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Subject Page General Guidelines 3 Recommendations for the Educational Facility 4 Training 4 Building Markings 5 Green Card During a Lockdown 5 Lockout 5 School Actions During a Lockout 6 Police Action During a Lockout 6 Fire Department Actions During a Lockout 6 Shelter In Place 8 School Actions During a Shelter In Place 9 Police Actions During a Shelter In Place 10 Fire Department Actions During a Shelter In Place 10 Lockdown 12 School Actions During a Lockdown 12 Police Actions During a Lockdown 13 Fire Department Actions During a Lockdown 14 Non-Fire Evacuation 15 Room Clear 15 Planning and Vigilance – Vigilance for School Security 17 Secure Dismissal 17 Parent Reunification 17 School Security Drills 18 Notifications 19 Media Relations 19 After Action Reporting 19

I. Guidelines

A. For the safety of students and staff, all public, private, and charter schools have been provided

with the procedures contained in the document. Each school and or school district within Camden County has been encouraged to undertake these recommendations and take the necessary steps in training all of their staff with the specific procedures addressed by this policy. Although pre-schools and daycare centers are not specifically addressed in this policy, it is understood that pre-school and daycare centers often have their own Lockout, Shelter In Place, Lockdown, and Non Fire Evacuation procedures which may differ in terminology and specific action than the procedures described in the policy.

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B. Police Officers will be informed through training of the progress that schools within Camden

County are making in adopting and implementing the procedures contained in this policy. Officers must consider that certain school staff members or a particular school’s level of competence in understanding these procedures may vary as the overall responsibility in having a school staff informed and properly trained rests with the school. Officers may need to take these factors into consideration when working with school officials during a Lockout, Shelter In Place, Lockdown, and Non Fire Evacuation.

II. Recommendations for the Educational Facility

A. Most situations that require a Lockout, Shelter In Place, Lockdown, or Non Fire Evacuation

protocol will be considered a police emergency and therefore the senior police representative will serve as the Incident Commander (IC). However, there may be non-law enforcement situations where these protocols are ordered by other agencies. Examples would include a motor vehicle crash in the vicinity of the school or large fire with noxious fumes in the area. In these situations, the appropriate agency may serve as the Incident Commander.

B. All doors, internal and external, are to remain closed and locked throughout the school at all times

as permitted by law. Doors should allow exit from classroom spaces and exit from building to exterior without use of a key access and in compliance with applicable fire codes and laws.

C. All other agencies that may respond, including fire and emergency medical services are there in

support of the operation and the IC. D. It is recommended that a member of the school staff, preferably a member of the school

administration, be named as the School Officer In Charge (School OIC) to give direction prior to the arrival of emergency personnel and to assist police/fire personnel upon their arrival.

E. A School Lockout, Shelter In Place, Lockdown, or Non Fire Evacuation should be considered

major events that may require significant resources from many agencies. As such, once a Command Post (CP) has been established Unified Command must be utilized to manage these incidents. Although actual non-drill evacuations due to fire are not addressed by this policy such an event is considered a critical incident that demands significant law enforcement presence and action.

III. Training

A. The school district or school administration should develop and provide an in-service training

program for all district/school board of education employees to enable them to recognize and appropriately respond to safety and security concerns, including emergencies and crisis in compliance with state mandates and consistent with the school district’s plan, procedures and mechanisms for school administration, and when personnel as necessary and appropriated requested, in cooperation with Police and other local public safety agencies. The ultimate responsibility for preparing a school and its staff for a school Lockout, Lockdown, Evacuation, or Shelter Event events rests with the school district or school staff.

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IV. Building Markings

1. It has been recommended to all non-daycare educational schools that all rooms be marked consistent with the schools existing numerical system (room number) prefixed by the corresponding division identifier as outlined in the Incident Command System(A,B,C,D). This identification should be placed on the exterior of each room in the upper right hand corner (as viewed from the exterior) as and on each interior door. The exterior doors and interior of the exterior doors should be marked in a way consistent with the Incident Command System.

2. It has been recommended that each room be provided by school officials with two green placards. One will be approximately 8 ½” by 11” with the room number printed on it and the other will be the size of the window in the interior door to the room. During a declared “Lockdown” the teacher will place the 8 1/2” by 11” placard in the corner of the lower right hand exterior window indicating that there is no problem within that specific classroom or area. The other placard will be placed in the window of the interior door to the room. Failure to place the placards will indicate that there is a possible problem within that specific classroom.

NOTE: As technology evolves it is understood there may be electronic or software systems that may compliment but not substitute the use of the green placard at the present time.

V. School Security Protocol - Lockout A. Lockout

1. A Lockout recovers all students from outside of the building, secures the building perimeter,

and ensures all exterior doors are secured and locked. A Lockout could be implemented when there is a threat or hazard outside of the building such as criminal activity, dangerous events in the community, or even a vicious animal outside of the school. School Officials announcing a “Lockout” shall clearly say “Lockout – Secure the Perimeter” and any other directives as necessary a minimum of two times via the schools internal communication system.

2. A Lockout may be implemented by a school official, police, fire, or emergency personnel. 3. Examples (But not limited to) of when a Lockout protocols may be initiated:

a. A crime and/or pursuit of a suspect in the area of a school where there is a concern for students who may be outside.

b. A crime and/or pursuit of a suspect in the area of a school where there is a concern that the suspect may enter the school or school buses.

c. A terrorist type attack(s) has occurred on a school(s) in the United States or even abroad and it is believed that initiating Lockout of all schools community wide will assist in protecting the occupants of all schools from harm.

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B. School Actions During A Lockout: 1. School OIC or his/her designee’s actions:

a. Establish a unified Command Post with the school’s emergency kit. b. Ensure the school has made the appropriate communications both internally and

externally in declaring a Lockout c. All School Staff/Employees:

1) If inside classroom/instructional area. • Staff will take attendance of students in their charge. Staff may be required to

report the attendance results to a contact person/office if directed by individual school training or procedures.

2) If outside of building • Students/staff engaged in outdoor activities are directed to a safe location

preferably inside of the building if possible. If this is not possible move to a safe location outside of the school that has been predetermined by the administrative team or as directed by the School OIC or emergency responders.

d. Classroom instruction will continue unless otherwise directed. e. Students may change classes unless otherwise directed.

2. In the event a fire alarm is activated while in a Lockout, School staff must evaluate the

situation before evacuating the building. The evacuation of the building may place occupants in harm’s way as they exit the building. Reasons for evacuating when a fire alarm sounds during a Lockout may include: a. Knowledge that there is a fire in the building or that such a life threatening condition

exists a person must evacuate. b. A report of smoke or fire in the building from a reliable source c. Advice or an order from police, fire officials, or the Incident Commander.

C. Police Action During a Lockout

1. Any Officer may institute a Lockout when he/she believes that it is necessary to maintain the

security of the school. The Officer shall advise Central Communications to contact the school informing them of the Officer’s request. If the officer is at a school and initiating the Lockout, the officer shall immediately inform Camden County Communications of this or the agency’s dispatcher center. If the police agency is not dispatched by the Camden County Communications Center police personnel shall ensure that they are notified. Identify and coordinate with the school OIC

D. Supervisor/Watch Commander Responsibilities 1. Notify the Chief of Police or his designee if necessary

2. Evaluate/coordinate the call in of additional personnel, resources or mutual aid as necessary.

E. Fire Department Actions During Lockout: (Unless otherwise directed by the Incident

Commander)

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1. A fire officer will respond to the scene and report to the Incident Commander or the CP. 2. A trained school representative accompanied by a fire officer, will report to the alarm control

panel and silence the fire alarm system. If there is no alarm activation the fire alarm system should be silenced to prevent an audible activation. The fire officer will remain at the alarm panel with the school representative to monitor the alarm system.

3. In the event of an alarm activation, the fire officer will report to the activation area for

investigation and determine whether there is a fire. 4. Based on the report from the fire officer, the incident commander will determine if it is

necessary to evacuate the building. 5. If the school is ordered evacuated, additional police will secure the perimeter of the school

including all parking areas. 6. Students will be evacuated to a pre-designated area(s), which could include a designated

relocation or alternate dismissal site or other secure area on school property or adjacent to the school. When such a location is chosen the School OIC and the IC shall take into consideration the vulnerability of each evacuation location from various factors including environmental, traffic, and presence of destructive devices.

7. A fire officer will remain at the DSE or CP if established.

8. Discovery of Fire/Smoke Condition within the School (Unless otherwise directed by the

Incident Commander):

a. A Unified Command Post will be immediately established and staffed by a senior law enforcement officer, senior fire officer, and senior school administrators.

b. A fire officer will perform reconnaissance to determine the location and extent of the fire. c. Based on the report from the fire officer, the IC will determine if it is necessary to

evacuate the building. d. If the school is ordered evacuated, additional police will secure the perimeter of the

school including all parking areas. e. Students will be evacuated to a pre-designated area(s), which could include a designated

relocation or alternate dismissal site or other secure area on school property or adjacent to the school. When such a location is chosen the School OIC and the IC shall take into consideration the vulnerability of each evacuation location from various factors including environmental, traffic, and potential destructive devices.

F. Considerations during a School Lockout:

Police IC or his/her designee shall:

1. Prepare a plan in coordination with the School IC or his/her designee on who will speak with

parents who may be arriving at the school.

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2. Continue to evaluate the parental activity at the school, media inquiries, and concerns or questions from School OIC.

3. Consult with the School OIC of how the school is notifying parents by utilizing their own

notification system or in any other manner. The Police IC or his/her designee must approve any parent, community, or media messages.

4. If necessary, determine the pre-planned alternate site dismissal location:

a. Direct an officer to inspect and secure this area if possible b. Determine contact phone numbers for this location

5. If necessary, determine which number(s), if any, the school will be utilizing for parent inquires.

6. Determine the pre-planned parental gathering site. Assign officers to this location whenever possible. Maintain contact with these officers.

7. Determine the need and establish a plan for media briefings and statements Primary Goal/

message: Inform parents. 8. Ascertain dismissal times, bus route, parent pick-up, walking routes and the dismissal issues

and evaluate such information relative to the incident. 9. As necessary ensure the student transportation center or service is advised of possible road

closures, route delays or neighborhood perimeter closures. 10. Consult with the School OIC or his/her designee as to what messages will be broadcast on

available police managed community notification platforms (Nixle, agency specific notification systems, social media, media or other).

VI. School Security Protocol - Shelter In Place

A. Shelter In Place

1. The Shelter In Place protocol can be implemented while directing staff to continue with

student instruction or to cease student instruction. This decision is typically based on the type of incident occurring and is generally at the discretion of the school OIC; however, there may be times where law enforcement has determined that no instruction or other actions in the classroom are most appropriate. When law enforcement determines that no instruction is to take place school officials shall abide by such law enforcement determination.

2. The Shelter In Place protocol is similar to a Lockout; however, during a Shelter In Place there is no changing of classes and no students or staff are permitted in the hallways or open common areas. School Officials announcing a “Shelter In Place” shall clearly say “Shelter In Place (with or without instruction) and a brief explanation why such condition is occurring. The statement shall be repeated a minimum of two times via the schools internal communication system.

3. A Shelter In Place may be implemented by a school official, police, fire, or emergency

personnel.

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4. Examples (But not limited to) of when a Shelter In Place protocols may be initiated:

a. A disturbance in the school that is not considered a potential life threat to anyone inside of the building. This could include a physical altercation between students or a disgruntled loud parent and the placing of the school in a “Lockdown” is not necessary.

b. A police investigation where having all persons, including staff, be confined in classrooms and places of instruction is necessary or beneficial during the investigation. Such examples include but are not limited to: 1) School search conducted by police K-9 2) Investigations involving a search for evidence or suspects and prohibiting the

movement of people aids in the investigation. c. In the case of emergencies such as natural disasters or other incidents, such as a chemical

spill, the School OIC, or IC may elect to provide more specific direction to include sealing a room, persons to cover their heads, or any other direction that may aid in the safety of the occupants.

d. Any situation or disturbance where it is necessary to restrict persons from the hallways and open common areas of the school.

B. School Actions During a Shelter In Place:

1. School OIC or his/her designee’s actions:

a. Establish a unified Command Post with the school’s emergency kit. b. Ensure the school has made the appropriate communications both internally and

externally in declaring a Shelter In Place. c. All School Staff/Employees:

1) If inside classroom • Staff will take attendance of students in their charge. Staff may be required to

report the attendance results to a contact person/office if directed by individual school training or procedures.

2) If outside of building • Students/staff engaged in outdoor activities are directed to a safe location

preferably inside of the building if possible. If this is not possible move to a safe location outside of the school that has been predetermined by the administrative team or as directed by the School OIC or emergency responders.

2. In the event a fire alarm is activated while in a Shelter In Place, School staff must evaluate the situation before causing the building to evacuate. The evacuation of the building may place occupants in harm’s way as they exit the building. Reasons for evacuating when a fire alarm sounds during a Shelter In Place may include: a. Knowledge that there is a fire in the building or that such a life threatening condition

exists a person must evacuate. b. A report of smoke or fire in the building from a reliable source c. Advice or an order from police, fire officials, or the Incident Commander.

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C. Police Action During a Shelter In Place 1. Any Officer may institute a Shelter In Place when he/she believes that it is necessary to

maintain the security of the school. The Officer shall advise Central Communications to contact the school informing them of the Officer’s request. If the officer is at a school and initiating a Shelter In Place the officer shall immediately inform Camden County Communications of this or the agency’s dispatcher center. If the police agency is not dispatched by the Camden County Communications Center police personnel shall ensure that they are notified. Identify and coordinate with the school OIC

2. The officer shall direct Fire apparatus/EMS to a staging area unless otherwise directed by the IC.

D. Supervisor/Watch Commander Responsibilities

1. Notify the Chief of Police or his designee if necessary, establish a CP

2. Evaluate/coordinate the call in of additional personnel, resources or mutual aid as necessary.

E. Fire Department Actions During a Shelter In Place Event (Unless otherwise directed by the Incident Commander)

1. A fire officer will respond to the scene and report to the Incident Commander or the CP. 2. A trained school representative accompanied by a fire officer and law enforcement officer,

will report to the alarm control panel and silence the fire alarm system. If there is no alarm activation the fire alarm system will be silenced to prevent an audible activation. The fire officer will remain whenever possible at the alarm panel with the school representative and law enforcement officer to monitor the alarm system.

3. In the event of an alarm activation, the fire officer and the law enforcement officer will report

to the activation area for investigation and determine whether there is a fire. 4. Based on the report from the fire officer, the incident commander will determine if it is

necessary to evacuate the building. 5. If the school is ordered evacuated, additional police will secure the perimeter of the school

including all parking areas. 6. Students will be evacuated to a pre-designated area(s), which could include a designated


7. A fire officer will remain at the DSE or CP if established.

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8. Discovery of Fire/Smoke Condition within the School (Unless otherwise directed by the

Incident Commander):

a. A Unified Command Post will be immediately established and staffed by a senior law enforcement officer, senior fire officer, and senior school administrators.

b. A fire officer and a law enforcement officer will perform reconnaissance to determine the location and extent of the fire.

c. Based on the report from the fire officer, the IC will determine if it is necessary to evacuate the building.

d. If the school is ordered evacuated, additional police will secure the perimeter of the school including all parking areas.

e. Students will be evacuated to a pre-designated area(s), which could include a designated relocation or alternate dismissal site or other secure area on school property or adjacent to the school. When such a location is chosen the School OIC and the IC shall take into consideration the vulnerability of each evacuation location from various factors including environmental, traffic, and intentional destructive devices.

F. Considerations during a Shelter In Place




2. Continue to evaluate the parental activity at the school, media inquiry at the school and concerns or questions from School OIC.

3. Consult with the School OIC of how the school is notifying parents with their notification

system or in any other manner. The Police IC or his/her designee must approve this message whenever possible.

4. If necessary, determine the pre-planned alternate site dismissal location:


5. If necessary, determine which number(s), if any, the school will be utilizing for parent’s

inquires

6. Determine the pre-planned parental gathering site. Assign officers to this location whenever possible. Maintain contact with these officers.

7. Determine the need and establish a plan for media briefings and statements Primary Goal/


and evaluate such information relative to the incident.

9. As necessary, ensure the student transportation center or service is advised of possible road closures, route delays or neighborhood perimeter closures.

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10. Consult with the School OIC or his/her designee as to what messages will be broadcast on


VII. School Security Protocol - Lockdown (Includes Active Shooter / Assailant Protocols)

A. Lockdown

1. A Lockdown shall be initiated when a significant threat to the safety of the students and staff

exists. This includes but is not limited to situations involving an active shooter or assailant, a person threatening violence that is in, may have access to the school, or is possibly in the school, or even a dangerous animal that is in the school. The local police agency will respond and notify the appropriate fire and EMS agencies. During a Lockdown event, fire apparatus will respond as outlined within this section. A senior fire officer will respond to the scene and report to the IC or CP if one has been established to assist with tactical decisions and resource support. School Officials announcing a “Lockdown” shall clearly state “Lockdown - Locks, Lights, Out of Sight” a minimum of two times via the schools communication systems.

2. A Lockdown may be implemented by a school official or staff member in the absence of a designated school official, police, fire, or emergency personnel.

3. Active Shooter / Assailant Definition: One or more subjects who are believed to be armed have used, or have threatened to use a weapon to inflict deadly physical force on other person(s) and/or continue to do so while having unrestricted access to additional victims. Their prior actives have demonstrated their intent to continuously harm others and their overriding objective appears to be that of one of mass injury or murder, rather than other criminal conduct such as robbery, hostage taking, etc. For the purposes of this policy, the term “weapon” shall include, but not limited to firearm, knife, clubs, bow and arrow and explosives.

B. School Actions During A Lockdown:

1. School OIC or his/her designee actions:

a. Whenever a Lockdown occurs involving an active shooter or assailant, school officials

shall take all actions appropriate to an active shooter or assailant situation as recommended or required by the New Jersey Department of Education and consistent with the New Jersey Department of Education’s School Safety and Security Plans. It is understood that Lockdown events that specifically involve an active shooter or assailant will demand and require specific measures that may differ from other situations.

b. Establish a unified Command Post with the school’s emergency kit. c. Ensure the school has made the appropriate communications both internal and externally

in declaring a Lockdown

d. All School Staff/Employees: 1) If inside classroom

a) Lock all doors. b) Turn off lights.

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c) Move students away from windows and out of sight. d) Open blinds when safely possible e) If no emergency exists in classroom: Obstruct the door window with Green

Placard and place the Green Placard on the exterior window in lower right hand corner.

f) Staff shall; i. Take attendance of students in their charge, and

ii. report their findings to the main office if possible or as otherwise directed as a result of school directives or training.

g) Remain in classroom until emergency is over, unless a life threatening situation occurs requiring the room to be evacuated or occupants must initiate self-evacuation in order to preserve their life.

2) If outside classroom a) Proceed to closest room. Lavatories may be the only available room not locked. b) Remain hidden in room until emergency is over.

3) If outside of building • Students/staff engaged in outdoor activities are directed to a safe location away

from the building that has been predetermined by the administrative team.

2. In the event a fire alarm is activated while in a Lockdown, School staff must evaluate the situation before evacuating the building. The alarm may have been activated by the intruder/assailant(s) and an evacuation may place building occupants in danger. Reasons for evacuating when a fire alarm sounds during a Lockdown may include: a. Knowledge that there is a fire in the building b. A report of smoke or fire in the building from a reliable source c. Advice or an order from police, fire officials, or the Incident Commander.

C. Police Action During Lockdown

1. Any Officer may institute a Lockdown when he/she believes that it is necessary to maintain

the security of the school and provide increased safety to the students and staff within. If the officer is at a school and initiating the Lockdown the officer shall immediately inform Camden County Communications of this or the agency’s dispatcher center. If the police agency is not dispatched by the Camden County Communications Center police personnel shall ensure that they are notified.

2. The officer shall direct Fire apparatus/EMS to a staging area unless otherwise directed by the IC. Take all necessary ICS protocol responses.

3. Follow current Police Department Rapid Deployment Policy/Rapid Response to an Active

Shooter/Assailant. 4. Manpower permitting, a minimum of three police officers equipped with a minimum of one

fire extinguisher and known as the Fire Suppression Team (FST), and based on the threat, possibly accompanied by a trained school representative and a fire officer, will report to the alarm control panel and silence the fire alarm system and bell(s) utilized for other purposes.

a. The FST will then report to an activation or any necessary area for investigation and

determine whether there is a fire. (FST may become the contact team)

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b. Based on the report from the FST, the IC will determine if it is necessary to evacuate the building.

c. Additional FST’s may be established and deployed at the discretion of the IC.

D. Supervisor/Watch Commander Responsibilities 1. Activate critical incident response (Sheriff’s Tactical Response Unit)

2. Evaluate/coordinate the call in of additional personnel, resources or mutual aid as necessary. 3. Notify the Chief of police or his designee, establish a CP or defer to another responding unit

E. Fire Department Actions During Lockdown: (Unless otherwise directed by the Incident

Commander) 1. Fire apparatus will respond and stage as directed by the IC

2. Fire Officer will respond to CP to unify the Command Post. 3. Prepare to respond to a fire or hazardous incident. 4. Prepare to assist EMS in a mass casualty incident. 5. Discovery of Fire/Smoke Condition within the School (unless otherwise directed by the

Incident Commander) a. Fire apparatus will respond and stage as directed by the IC. b. The police FST will perform reconnaissance to determine the location and extent of the

fire. c. Based on the report from the reconnaissance officer, the IC will determine if it is

necessary to evacuate the building. d. If the school is ordered to evacuate, additional police will secure the perimeter of the

school including all parking areas. e. Students will be evacuated to a pre-designated area(s), which could include a designated


f. Additional FST’s may be established and deployed at the discretion of the IC.

F. Consideration during a School Lockdown:




2. Continue to evaluate the parental activity at the school, media inquiries, and concerns or questions from School OIC.

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3. Consult with the School OIC of how the school is notifying parents with their notification system or in any other manner. The Police IC or his/her designee must approve these messages.

4. Determine the pre-planned alternate site dismissal location:


5. Determine which number(s) the school will be utilizing for parent’s inquires

6. Determine the pre-planned parental gathering site. Assign officers to this location whenever

possible. Maintain contact with these officers. 7. Determine the need and establish a plan for media briefings and statements Primary Goal/


and evaluate such information relative to the incident. 9. As necessary ensure the student transportation center or service is advised of possible road

closures, route delays or neighborhood perimeter closures. 10. Consult with the School OIC for deployment /activation consideration of the district wide

crisis response team. 11. Consult with the School OIC or his/her designee as to what messages will be broadcast on


VIII. School Security Protocol – Non Fire Evacuation

A. Students, Staff, and other occupants may be directed to evacuate the building or a specific

location of the school as necessary. When the need to evacuate is a fire or other similar type of emergency, the fire alarm shall be utilized. There may be other situations where students and staff may be directed to Evacuate by first responders and this may occur during a Lockout or Shelter In Place Event.

B. The decision to evacuate a school while in a Lockout or Shelter In Place rests with the School

OIC in the absence of an Emergency Responder IC.

C. The decision to evacuate a school while in a Lockdown rests with the School OIC in the absence of an Emergency Responder IC except that at no time is it prohibited or discouraged in having a person evacuate, flee, or take other action on their own initiative in an effort to preserve their own life or the life of another.

D. Whenever a school evacuates, school officials and the IC shall take measures consistent with

Alternate Site Dismissal, Parent Reunification, Secure Dismissal, and Notification measures as necessary consistent with this policy.

IX. Room Clear Protocol

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A. A Room Clear is defined as a protocol that directs a specific classroom or room containing

students, staff, or visitors from a specific room. The directive “Room Clear” shall simply mean that all students must leave the room if directed by an emergency responder or school staff member.

B. Examples of when a Room Clear may be initiated include but not limited to:

1. A student suffers from a medical emergency and the clearing of the room will assist in providing assistance and also lessen the trauma that other students may experience.

2. Law enforcement action needs to take place in a classroom and it is necessary to immediately

clear the room of all students and/or staff.

C. A “Room Clear” may be initiated by any staff member or first responder. A staff member who is experiencing an emergency in a classroom may simply say to another teacher adjacent to their classroom “Room Clear’ and this announcement requires the teacher receiving the direction to immediately assist the person requesting a Room Clear with evacuating the students into his/her classroom or other appropriate area.

D. Whenever a Room Clear is initiated, the staff member assisting in taking custody of the students will contact the main officer in accordance with applicable school directives and training.

E. Whenever possible, the staff member who is requesting the Room Clear or was in charge of the classroom or students at the time of the Room Clear initiation is also responsible for notifying the main office and requesting any appropriate services or assistance (EMS, Police, Administration, Maintenance Staff, etc.) in accordance with applicable school directives and training.

X. Planning and Vigilance

A. Vigilance for School Security

1. Each school has developed and implemented comprehensive plans, procedures and mechanisms to provide for safety and security in the elementary and secondary schools. As a result of these plans, school administrators are obligated to familiarize their staff and as appropriate the students of this information. As law enforcement officers we endeavor to assist whenever possible in ensuring the school environment is safe and that school staff and students conduct themselves and maintain their institutions to ensure maximum safety. The responsibility for providing policing service to the school and students is the designated police agency; however, the ultimate responsibility in securing the schools and school security rest with the school and the school district.

2. Although Police Officers are not members of the school staff, they play a vital role in ensuring the safety of the general public. Often, a police officer’s training and experience alert to him or her to dangers of safety concerns often not understood or recognized by non- law enforcement. Knowing this, it is imperative that Police Officers report unsafe practices to school officials when it is necessary to take immediate action to correct the safety issue. Such an example where immediate action may be warranted is when an officer finds an exterior door propped open and unstaffed.

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3. There may be an occasion where an officer learns or becomes aware of a practice which does not require immediate action but warrants school officials being notified. In such cases the officer shall inform his/her immediate supervisor who shall ensure that the appropriate school officials are notified via the chain of command.

B. Secure Dismissal

Upon the conclusion of a Shelter In Place or a Lockdown Event it may be necessary to dismiss the students with a need for police presence. When such actions occur, the following actions shall take place:

1. Posting an officer at the DSE

2. If possible, visible marked police unit in school parking lot.

3. Posting of additional officers at other exits of the building, walking routes and in the area of

bus dismissals.

C. Remediation/Parent Re-unification During a Lockdown and as necessary during a Lockout, Shelter In Place or Evacuation 1. If dismissing from an alternate site, ensure accountability of students and adequate security

measures.

2. Designate traffic control to assist parental/guardian access.

3. Consult with School OIC on dismissal procedures-utilize available community notification systems and social media to direct parents/guardians on dismissal procedures.

4. Discuss with School OIC on how the school is disseminating dismissal information to parents.

5. Ensure perimeter officers are well informed of dismissal procedures and plans. 6. The IC shall confer with School OIC as to how school officials intend to inform parents of

the incident; letter, electronic or other means. 7. Plan a news conference to assist in providing information to parents.

D. School Security Drills

1. Schools are required to conduct a variety of Security Drills throughout the course of the year.

Such drills include: a. Fire (1 per month) b. Active Shooter (2x per year) (Schools Implement Camden County Model Lockdown

Protocol) c. Evacuation (non-fire) (2x per year) d. Bomb Threat (2x per year) e. Lockdown (2x per year) (Schools Implement Camden County Model Shelter In Place –

w/o Instruction Protocol)

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2. Examples of other types of Security Drills which may occur: a. Shelter In Place b. Reverse Evacuation (Students are outside for activities/recess and must enter school or

move to a safe location) c. Evacuation to a relocation site

3. School officials are required to notify law enforcement at least 48 hours prior to holding a

security drill. School officials have been advised to notify the Chief and the Lieutenant of Police of any planned security drill. The agency officials receiving such information from the school shall notify any on duty supervisor, SRO or DARE Officer of such planned security drill.

4. The Lieutenant of Police shall notify the ROIC of any planned school security drill no later than 24 hours prior to the scheduled drill.

5. Whenever an on duty officer becomes aware of a security drill conducted at a school in which

he/she was not and should have been aware shall consult with his/her immediate supervisor. If the supervisor determines that the agency person or persons designated to be notified by the school of a security drill was not aware of the security drill and school officials did not notify as required the Chief shall be notified.

6. On duty Supervisors or the Watch Commander may at any time attend or direct their personnel to attend and observe a planned school security drill. When officers are attending a planned security drill they shall ensure they inform the office staff of the reason for their presence.

7. The Police Department shall periodically direct on duty personnel to attend various planned security drills.

XI. Notifications

A. Police Officers shall be notified anytime a School Security Event is initiated other than drills.

B. Protocols have been established with the Camden County Communications Center that whenever

they are informed of an actual Lockout, Shelter In Place, or Lockdown Event they will automatically:

1. Dispatch or notify the fire department or fire officer according to the local fire department’s

procedure.

2. Notify the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Juvenile Unit.

3. Notify the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office County Counterterrorism Coordinator (CTC).

4. Notify the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Information Center (ROIC).

C. The Police IC shall also ensure that the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office Juvenile Unit and County Counterterrorism Coordinator shall be notified whenever a school threat exists under the following circumstances: ( This notification shall also be made even if a school is not placed in Lockdown as a result of one of the below incidents):

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1. A Bomb Threat/Bomb Responses- a threat to deploy an explosive and/or incendiary device

2. A “Hit List” or other significant school threats- a written or verbal pronouncement to do harm to one or more persons.

3. A Direct Threat - a threat to commit an act of violence against an individual or group.

4. An Indirect Threat - being in possession of a firearm and ammunition or any other dangerous weapon while on school property.

5. Suspicious activity possibly relating to terrorism

XII. Media Relations All media interactions and releases must be approved by the Police Incident Commander consistent with the Police Media Relations Policy.

XIII. After Action Reporting

The Chief of Police or his designee shall direct a Supervisor to submit an after action report to the Chief of Police no later than five days after the Lockdown event. The Chief of Police shall submit a copy of any after action reports to the Camden County Prosecutor within two weeks of the Lockdown incident.

Documents

Camden County Chiefs of Police Association Protocols for ...firechiefsofcamdencounty.com/pdf/policies/3-03 School Lockdown P… · 2. A Lockout may be implemented by a school official,