HomeMy WebLinkAbout25 - Response to the Orange County Grand Jury Report "School Shootings: How Prepared are Orange County Public Schools?"Q �EwPpRT
CITY OF
s NEWPORT BEACH
`q44:09 City Council Staff Report
August 22, 2023
Agenda Item No. 25
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: Joe Cartwright, Chief of Police - 949-644-3701,
jartwright@nbpd.org
PREPARED BY: Justin Morouse, Lieutenant, Detective Division, jmorouse@nbpd.org
PHONE: 949-644-3778
TITLE: Response to the Orange County Grand Jury Report "School
Shootings: How Prepared are Orange County Public Schools?"
ABSTRACT:
For the City Council's consideration is approval of a response letter to the 2022-2023
Orange County Grand Jury report entitled "School Shootings: How Prepared are Orange
County Public Schools?" pursuant to Penal Code Section 9.33.05 (a) and (b).The City of
Newport Beach (City) is required to comment on certain findings and recommendations
in the report no later than September 7, 2023.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because
this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly;
and
b) Approve the City's response to the 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury report,
"School Shootings: How Prepared are Orange County Public Schools?" and authorize
the Mayor to submit the letter to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
DISCUSSION:
On June 9, 2023, the Orange County Grand Jury (OCGJ) released a report entitled
"School Shootings: How Prepared are Orange County Public Schools?" (Attachment A),
an investigative report on how prepared Orange County public schools are for an active
shooter incident. As part of that analysis, the Grand Jury recommended improvement in
several areas, including building and equipment infrastructure, training, the number of
School Resource Officers (SROs), coordination between law enforcement and school
staff, mental health awareness, and investments in safety school measures.
The report required the City to respond to two findings and four recommendations. The
proposed response letter (Attachment B) provides detailed information on the City's
strong relationship with the Newport -Mesa Unified School District and our robust School
Resource Officer (SRO) Program.
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Response to the Orange County Grand Jury Report "School Shootings:
How Prepared are Orange County Public Schools?"
August 22, 2023
Page 2
All of the recommendations, which center around safety inspections, training exercises,
active shooter drills and SRO resources, have been implemented or are in process.
The report additionally requires each agency to submit a progress report by the end of
March in each subsequent year, until all recommendations are implemented.
With the approval of the City Council, the attached response letter can be forwarded to
the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not
result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment)
and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no
potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A — Orange County Grand Jury Report "School Shooting: How Prepared are
Orange County Public Schools?"
Attachment B —Proposed Response to the Orange County Grand Jury
Recommendations from the City of Newport Beach
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CHOOL SHOOTINGS:
HOW PREPARED ARE ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS?
COUNTY OF ORANGE
Grand Jury 2022-2023
CHOOL SHOOTINGS:
HOW PREPARED ARE ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS?
COUNTY OF ORANGE
Grand Jury 2022-2023
SCHOOL SHOOTINGS: HOW PREPARED ARE OC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Table of Contents
SUMMARY...................................................................................................................... 3
BACKGROUND..............................................................................................................4
REASON FOR STUDY...................................................................................................
6
METHOD OF STUDY......................................................................................................7
INVESTIGATION & ANALYSIS.......................................................................................
8
School Shootings Background.....................................................................................8
School Resource Officers (SROs)...............................................................................
9
Implementing a School Tip Line................................................................................
12
Safety of Before and After School Programs on School Sites ...................................
13
Monitoring Campuses................................................................................................
14
AdvancedTechnology...............................................................................................
15
Protective Covering/Tinted Windows.........................................................................
15
School Active Shooter Training.................................................................................
16
School Active Shooter Tabletop Exercises................................................................
18
Arming Teachers and Staff........................................................................................20
Visitor Management System......................................................................................
21
AnnualSafety Inspection...........................................................................................
22
Homeland Security K-12 School Safety Checklist.....................................................
22
Campus Entry Procedures.........................................................................................
23
Available School Safety Training Resources.............................................................
24
MentalHealth Issues.................................................................................................
27
FINDINGS.....................................................................................................................
30
RECOMMENDATIONS.................................................................................................
32
REQUIRED RESPONSES............................................................................................34
GLOSSARY..................................................................................................................
37
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................
42
APPENDICES...............................................................................................................
43
AppendixA................................................................................................................
43
AppendixB................................................................................................................
44
AppendixC................................................................................................................
46
AppendixD................................................................................................................
51
AppendixE................................................................................................................
54
ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY 2022 1 2023 PAGE 2 OF 59
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SCHOOL SHOOTINGS: HOW PREPARED ARE OC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SUMMARY
The Center for Homeland Defense and Security, in coordination with the Federal
Emergency Management Agency, maintains a K-12 school shooting data base. Some
of their statistical findings are:
• There have been 2,069 school shooting incidents between 1970 and June 2022
• As a result of those shootings, 684 students and staff have died
• In the same time period, 1,937 students and staff were injured
• California, Texas, and Florida are the states with the most school shooting
incidents.
The 2022-23 Grand Jury, during its investigation, interviewed members of law
enforcement agencies on the subject of safety and security in our public schools.
Almost everyone interviewed advised the Grand Jury that it is not a matter of IF an
Orange County campus will be a victim of an active shooter incident, but WHEN one of
our campuses will be a victim.
"You can't wait to care until it happens to you"
Mia Tretta-Los Angeles Times, 11124122
(Survivor of the 2019 Saugus High shooting)
Orange County schools must be prepared and vigilant to do all that can be done to
prevent another Nashville, Uvalde, Saugus, Parkland, Newtown, or Littleton school
shooting from taking place here.
Based on its investigation, the Grand Jury believes that Orange County public school
districts are doing a good job in attempting to maintain safe and secure campuses for
their students. However, there is always room for improvement.
This investigative report makes recommendations for improvement in the following
areas:
• Building and equipment infrastructure
• Training and training materials available for all personnel responsible for student
safety and welfare
• Implementation of tabletop exercises throughout all Orange County school
districts
• The need for more School Resource Officers (SROs)
• Increased coordination of responsibility between school staff and law
enforcement
• Increase awareness and address mental health issues
• Increase fiscal commitments to implement identified school safety measures.
ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY 2022 1 2023
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SCHOOL SHOOTINGS: HOW PREPARED ARE OC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
school shootings in
the United States
since 2009
BACKGROUND
■ ■
Canada
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Germany
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Japan
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UK
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83Sed on CNN analy$is of neiv& reparCs
2017-18 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY "SAFER SCHOOLS — WHAT CAN WE
DO?" REPORT AND REPORT RESPONSE FOLLOW-UP
The 2017-18 Orange County Grand Jury issued a report titled Safer Schools — What
Can We Do? Because school shootings continue to dominate the news and cause
concern among students, faculty, staff, and parents, the 2022-23 Orange County Grand
Jury decided to follow up on the 2017-18 Report responses as a part of its own
investigation of school safety. The 2017-18 Report provides an important segue into the
2022-23 investigation of school safety.
Below is the Summary, The Reason for the Study, and a summary of the
recommendations from the 2017-18 Grand Jury Report:
SUMMARY
'Breaking News --- Another school shooting has just occurred!
These words strike terror in the hearts of all parents as they pray that it has not
occurred in their community. The frequency of violent events on school campuses
across the nation is alarming. What are Orange County public school districts doing to
minimize the threat of violence on campuses? Although Orange County public school
districts are focused on minimizing the possibility of campus violence, there exists a
considerable disparity between schools' readiness in some districts compared to others.
Whether it is fencing, visitor protocols, communication devices, or the use of
identification badges, the main differentiating factor is each district's access to funding
sources for security measures. Schools in districts that have not passed school bond
measures or have been unable to obtain grants have increasingly had to turn to local
communities, including parents, for material support. Schools struggle to find both time
and money to address competing priorities of improving academic achievement while
preparing for the very real threat of school violence.
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REASON FOR THE STUDY
School safety is a responsibility we all share. It is difficult, if not impossible, to prevent
all violent events on campus, but schools are expected to provide a reasonably safe
environment for both students and employees. School administrators have a critical
responsibility to prepare for such events in order to protect the students and staff within
the Orange County school system.
No one has all the answers, but through conversations and working together, solutions
continue to evolve and improve. The primary purposes of this [2017-18] study are:
• To assess how well Orange County public schools are controlling access to
campuses during school hours.
• To provide school districts, boards, principals, and parents with information to
improve preparation for violent school events.
• To stimulate county -wide discussion identifying underutilized resources and to
share problem -solving strategies.
• To develop recommendations which can help school districts ensure schools
implement their safe school programs. "
RECOMMENDATIONS
The 2017-18 Grand Jury recommended that school districts should:
• explore all possible funding sources
• re-evaluate the lack of secure fencing on all school campuses
• maintain a complete daily log of every visitor and volunteer entering and exiting
the campus
• require photo identification of all campus visitors and volunteers before a visitor's
badge is issued
• require all faculty and staff to wear visible photo ID badges while on campus
• issue ID cards in a format to be worn as student ID badges while on campus
• issue two-way radios or equivalent communication devices enabling instant two-
way communication with the office
• record, track, and report to the district office all campus incidents of unauthorized
access
• perform a school security assessment to evaluate their current school safety
plan.
2022-23 ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY FOLLOW UP
The 2022-2023 Grand Jury decided to follow up on School District Responses to the
2017-18 Grand Jury's recommendations as part of its own investigation into school
safety. In their 2017-18 responses, 26 of the 28 public school Superintendents
committed their District to further analysis and/or future action in response to Grand
Jury Recommendations. The collective number of commitments made by the 26
districts was 88. In a September 2022 letter from the Orange County Grand Jury, the 26
Superintendents were reminded of their commitments and asked if their respective
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districts had followed through on those commitments. The responses from the districts
were gratifying. Multiple commitments had been fulfilled in response to each of the nine
Recommendations included in the 2017-18 Grand Jury Report. Twenty districts that had
committed to further analysis, and/or future action, reported having fulfilled all 69 of their
commitments. Four districts reported having fulfilled 8 of their 13 commitments, with
each district having fulfilled at least 50% of its commitments. Two districts, which had
made three commitments each, responded stating that none of their commitments had
been fulfilled.
Except for the two districts that failed to fulfill any of their six commitments, the 2022-
2023 Grand Jury believes that students, faculty, staff, parents, District Boards of
Education, and communities can be pleased with what their districts have accomplished
in their efforts to improve School Safety in response to the Grand Jury 2017-18 Report.
While it is indisputable that much has been achieved during the past five years to make
Orange County public schools safer, there is still much to be done. This new report
includes recommendations that, if implemented, will make the schools even safer. While
it is true that no school will ever be totally safe from intruders, it is the responsibility of
school boards, school administrators, and law enforcement to make them as safe as
possible.
REASON FOR STUDY
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Kaiser
Family Foundation (KFF) firearms are now the leading cause of death among children
ages one through eighteen.
The Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) in conjunction with the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), maintains a K-12 school shooting data base
as part of their Homeland Security program. Some of the important statistical findings
are as follows:
• There were 2,069 school shooting incidents between 1970 and June 2022
• For the above time frame, 684 students and staff died in shootings at schools
• 1,937 were injured
• California, Texas, and Florida were the states with the most incidents.
The Washington Post stated more than 338,000 students across the nation have
experienced gun violence in their schools since 1999.
The 2022-2023 Grand Jury, based on its investigation, believes that Orange County
public school districts are doing a good job in attempting to maintain a safe and secure
campus for their students and school personnel/staff.
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During almost every interview of the members of law enforcement, the Grand Jury
learned that it is not a matter of IF an Orange County campus will be a victim of an
active shooter but WHEN it will be a victim.
Therefore, the reason for this study by the 2022-2023 Grand Jury is to use all the
information it learned through its method of study and provide recommendations to all
the Orange County public schools on how they can make their schools safer for all their
students, teachers, and staff while maintaining a quality campus learning environment.
Recommendations for improvement will be made in the following areas:
• Building and equipment infrastructure
• Training and training materials available for all personnel responsible for student
safety and welfare
• Implementation of tabletop exercises throughout all Orange County school
districts
• The need for more School Resource Officers (SROs)
• Increased coordination of responsibility between school staff and law
enforcement
• Increased awareness of and address mental health issues
• Increased fiscal commitments to implement identified school safety measures.
METHOD OF STUDY
The Grand Jury accumulated the information for this report from the following sources:
• 2022-2023 Grand Jury School Safety Questionnaire for all public schools (41
questions) (See Appendix E)
• 2022-2023 follow-up on commitments made by Orange County school districts in
response to the 2017-2018 Grand Jury report titled "Safer Schools -What Can We
Do?" and the Recommendations contained in that published investigation
• Local/national news stories over several years and past Grand Jury reports in
Orange County and other California counties
• Training videos of school violence prevention and casualty care
• School safety materials and procedures
• Public school district websites
• Comprehensive School Safety Plans of Orange County public schools
• Active shooter drills at several schools
• Tabletop exercises at several schools
• A Knowledge Saves Lives training session at a local public school
• The Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center (OCIAC)
• Safety measures in place at several schools.
The Grand Jury interviewed:
• Principals from a number of Orange County elementary, middle, and high
schools
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Representatives of Orange County school districts and other personnel
responsible for school safety and risk management
Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) personnel including those
responsible for public school safety
Selected local city law enforcement personnel responsible for public school
safety
INVESTIGATION & ANALYSIS
School Shootings Background
On May 24, 2022, television networks across the United States broadcast the horrific
news that once again a mass shooting was taking place on an American school
campus. The country watched in horror as a young man spent over seventy minutes
brutally gunning down defenseless elementary school students after gaining entry to
their school, Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas. When law enforcement eventually
breached the door into a classroom, they shot and killed the assailant, but only after he
had taken the lives of nineteen children and three adults. In addition, eighteen others
were hospitalized with gun -shot wounds.
The sad reality is that this type of terrible incident is all too common in our nation.
Teachers, school staff, and students have become very familiar with terms like
"lockdown drills", "shelter -in -place", "Run, Hide, Fight", "Distance, Evade, Engage", and
more. The many mass shootings have forced scores of individuals who entered the
teaching profession to engage in soul-searching about their personal safety as well as
that of their students. Many educators are faced with deciding whether to remain in the
profession. How did we get to this sad situation?
"More than 338, 000 students have experienced gun violence at school
since Columbine through 366 school shootings since 1999. "
(Washington Post 4117123)
History shows us that Uvalde was not the first mass shooting in a school, and law
enforcement officials tell us that it will not be the last. According to the 2022 "Report on
Indicators of School Crime and Safety 2021 " published by the Institutes of Educational
Sciences in coordination with the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of
Justice, and others, "nonfatal victimization including theft, bullying and criminal
victimization went down sixty percent between 2019-2020". In contrast the report
showed that "there were a total of 93 school shootings with casualties at public (and
private) elementary and secondary schools in 2020-21—the highest number since
2000-01."
According to the School -Associated Violent Death Surveillance System (SAVD-SS),
"school shootings are defined as incidents in which a gun is brandished or fired on
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school property or a bullet hits school property for any reason, regardless of the number
of victims, time of day, day of the week or reason." The SAVD-SS study showed that the
year 2020-21 was the first time since this information was gathered that less than half of
schools that had shootings were high schools. This is essential information that all
school districts and their schools should consider when developing safety plans.
In 2018, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 1747, "School
Safety Plans", which added Section 32281(a) to the California Education Code (EC),
requiring every K-12 public school to develop and maintain a Comprehensive School
Safety Plan (CSSP). The California Department of Education (CDE) stated that these
plans are to "address campus risks, prepare for emergencies, and create a safe, secure
learning environment for students and school personnel." If a school district has fewer
than 2,501 average daily attendance, then the district may create one CSSP for all the
schools in that district. The law does require that stakeholders be engaged in the
creation of the CSSP along with school personnel. Each school must update and adopt
its CSSP annually by March 1 st. That plan must then be submitted to the school district
for approval. Each district is required to annually notify the CDE by October 15 of any
school(s) that have not complied with the requirements of the law.
While it is truly fortunate that Orange County schools have not experienced this type of
violence, numerous law enforcement and school officials say it is not a matter of "if' but
"when". Our schools must be prepared and vigilant to do all that can be done to prevent
another Covenant School (Nashville), Robb Elementary (Uvalde), Saugus High
(Saugus), Stoneman -Douglas High (Parkland), Sandy Hook (Newtown), or Columbine
(Littleton) from taking place here.
(See Appendix `A' for a listing of school shootings in the United States since 1999; see
Appendix 'B' for CDE's Comprehensive School Safety Plan requirements.)
"School is the last place where kids should have to
worry about gun violence. Our children deserve
better. yy
(Everytown Report, 8122)
School Resource Officers (SROs)
"It was after school hours in May 2022 when South Carolina school resource officer
(SRO) Kyle Doiron of the Richland County Sheriff's Department got a message from a
student at the high school where he works. The student forwarded an Instagram photo
in which another student posed with a firearm. "The next day, the SRO called the boy in
the photo out into the hallway. Inside the student's backpack, "...he found a 9 mm
Taurus handgun, with a loaded magazine and a cartridge in the chamber... At that
point, Doiron arrested the student and placed him in handcuffs... Since the officer is on
the high school campus every day, he has developed a relationship with students such
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that they are comfortable talking to him." After this incident, Officer Doiron said, "If our
school didn't have an SRO program, there could have been another shooting and we
could have lost another child to gun violence." (NASRO website, March 23, 2023) While
this incident took place on the other side of the country, it illustrates the importance and
value of having SROs on school campuses.
What exactly is an SRO? The U.S. Department of Justice defines a School Resource
Officer as a "sworn law enforcement officer responsible for safety and crime prevention
in schools." Employed by a local police or sheriff's department, they work closely with
school administrators for the purpose of creating a safer environment for students,
faculty, and staff. SROs are asked to be educators, informal counselors, and law
enforcers, often called "The Triad of SRO Responsibility". As they are sworn officers,
they have the authority to make arrests, respond to calls for service, and document
incidents. In the other two roles they work with students as mentors and role models. It
is estimated by the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), that
there are between 14,000 and 20,000 SROs currently working for law enforcement
agencies across the nation.
"School Resource Officers play an important role in
school violence prevention"
(U.S. Secret Service report, Averting Targeted School Violence, 2021)
SROs are funded by the law enforcement agency itself or by cities/school districts
where they are assigned. They should be trained in school -based law enforcement as
well as crisis response. Education Week reported in a November 16, 2021, article that:
"In practice, it's not clear how many school police actually have had this training or
similar types as States set different requirements for what training SROs need to have
before working in schools, and some SROs report feeling unprepared for the job... In a
2018 Education Week Research Survey of SROs, about 1 in 5 respondents said they
didn't have sufficient training to work in a school environment, only 39 percent said they
had training on child trauma, and about half said they hadn't been trained to work with
special education students." Training is available through local agencies as well as the
NASRO. An officer appointed to an SRO position should be given the appropriate
training to be effective. All Orange County Sheriff's Department SROs interviewed by
the Grand Jury indicated that they had received the required training.
Figures from the Education Week Research Survey show that in 2017-18, about 45% of
schools had an SRO in place at least once a week and 13% reported having police on
campus who were not SROs. There has been a large increase in the number of law
enforcement agencies that employ SROs because of the increase in school shootings
after Columbine in 1999. This mass shooting incident was the impetus for the U.S.
Department of Justice to offer Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants to
school districts to increase the number of SROs. Available grants can help off -set the
costs of securing the services of SROs. In 2021, out of a $386 million budget, $156.5
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million was authorized for the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) along with another $11
million for Preparing for Active Shooter Situations (PASS) and $53 million for the School
Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). The CHP program provides 75% of the approved
entry-level salaries and fringe benefits of each hired officer, up to $125,000 per officer
position for 36 months of salary support. In addition, groups such as the National
Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) offer attractive grants for the express
purpose of hiring SROs.
"...in nearly one-third of the cases, an SRO played a
role in disrupting an attack plot. "
(U.S. Secret Service report 2021)
However, funding remains a huge obstacle for cities, school districts, and law
enforcement agencies. For example, following the 2018 mass shooting at Stoneman -
Douglas High School in Florida, the governor at the time ordered an armed security
officer be placed on the campus of all 4,200 public schools in the state at a huge cost.
The Grand Jury found that Orange County is fortunate that the Sheriff's Department
(OCSD) and most city police departments (PDs) interviewed have a number of Deputies
or officers who serve as SROs. Many who were interviewed shared that they take the
position very seriously especially because their own children are in Orange County
public schools. However, funding is a major factor in the number each agency is able to
put into service. While the men and women who serve as SROs are highly dedicated,
many current SROs in the county are assigned far too many schools to effectively fulfill
their responsibilities. Most SROs in the county are assigned to high school campuses
and must also cover a number of middle/elementary schools that feed into the high
school.
The agency with the most SROs is the OCSD with 17 serving over 125 schools, located
primarily in south Orange County. The Anaheim PD currently has two SROs to cover
approximately 62 public schools with an Anaheim address. Fullerton PD has four SROs
in four Fullerton Union High School District schools, yet approximately 20
elementary/middle schools in the Fullerton (Elementary) School District do not have an
SRO, relying on patrol officers to be their contact with the police department. The City of
Orange PD has one SRO for approximately 28 schools, while a small city and district
such as Los Alamitos has one SRO for four schools. Santa Ana is the only school
district that has its own police department. They field 28 sworn officers plus 42 site
safety officers for 61 schools.
These figures, while not covering all police departments and cities, illustrate that law
enforcement agencies around the county have put varying resources into their SRO
programs. However, current SRO resources are far from an optimum number of
personnel for the 635 public schools in Orange County. Most law enforcement members
interviewed by the Grand Jury clearly indicated that not every school needs an SRO on
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campus, with most of the need being found on high school and middle school
campuses. However, the question remains as to why there are not more law
enforcement personnel assigned to this important role.
Two prominent factors are impacting the number of SROs. First is the reality that most
law -enforcement agencies are short-staffed and have increasing difficulty hiring
qualified individuals which results in many officers being assigned to patrol duties to
cover a city's needs. Second is the ever-present issue of funding. SRO positions, as
mentioned earlier, are usually jointly funded by a law enforcement agency, a city, and/or
a school district. The range for law enforcement salaries in Orange County is from
$50,000 to $124,000 plus benefits.
Orange County school districts, city police departments, the sheriff's department, and
city governments are strongly encouraged to work together to provide SROs on as
many school campuses as financially feasible. Effectively utilized, SROs become
informal counselors, role models, and mentors to students, many of whom might
otherwise see police in a negative light. If students see an SRO on their campus on a
regular basis, most will become comfortable with the idea of speaking with that officer
which in turn forms a valuable relationship. "Building strong relationships helps keep
schools safe; when young people build trusting relationships with SROs, they learn
lessons that can remain with them into adulthood and throughout their lives." (Marin
County Civil Grand Jury Report, 2019)
Implementing a School Tip Line
Students will often have the earliest and most knowledge of potential threats in a school
community. Unfortunately, it is often the case that students are afraid to report threats
when they become aware.
Depending on their features, tip lines may offer low-cost solutions for the purpose of
acting upon reported information of potential violent acts taken from social media,
including but not limited to phones, web portals, and other electronic messaging.
Tip lines may help prevent school violence by:
Breaking the code of silence by giving a voice to students
Increasing the likelihood that threats will be reported by providing a confidential
means of reporting
Encouraging students to "see something, say something"
Necessary requirements for a successful school tip line:
• Students must have easy access to the tip line
• Students must be able to trust that the tips they report will result in appropriate
action
• Students must be able to trust that their identities will be kept confidential
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The Grand Jury recommends that all public schools in Orange County, if they have not
already done so, implement a tip reporting mechanism for all students and staff to
confidentially report potential acts of violence on their school campus.
Safety of Before and After School Programs on School Sites
How safe are Orange County students in on -campus before and after school programs?
Imagine one day, elementary students are sitting at school lunch tables, with classes
over for the day, doing homework, art, or other activities; now a shooter walks onto the
campus. Maybe the students are in a prefabricated bungalow at the back of the
campus, away from any lingering staff's attention, sheltered by thin walls that are easily
pierced by bullets. Will our schools be prepared when that eventually happens?
When developing safety and security plans for K-12 schools in Orange County, school
districts should take extra steps to ensure that their plans include measures to prepare
on -campus before and after school programs' staff for active shooter incidents. This can
be a challenge as many of these programs throughout Orange County are outsourced
to vendors such as the YMCA Child Care Program, Boys and Girls Club, or Kids
Factory. Before and after school programs offer valuable school care for many families
throughout Orange County. It is critical that the staff of these vendors be provided active
shooter training, either along with school staff or independently.
Many vendors that offer before and after school programs have their own safety
protocols, but they might not be as extensive as those within Orange County school
districts. Each school district should review not only their own safety plans, but those of
their vendors who provide before and after school programs to ensure that best
practices are followed. If direct participation in school districts' active shooter training by
outside vendors is not feasible, Orange County school districts have an obligation to
ensure that those programs have established best practices in preparation for active
shooters. Any gap in active shooter training for employees of vendors providing before
and after school care should be addressed. A willingness to negotiate may be required
between school districts and vendors to achieve a synergy among their safety policies
and protocols.
A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence has concluded that in any
given year, violence on school campuses occurs before or after school hours 26% of
the time. This is a significant degree of risk to our children's safety and should be
addressed in all Orange County school districts' safety plans.
Collaboration between SROs and school administrators is an important component for
the integration of before and after school programs within school safety plans. All
Orange County school districts that have SROs should involve them in the process of
updating school safety plans to ensure that before and after school programs are
integrated into active shooter protocols and procedures.
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Monitoring Campuses
Security cameras may help school administrators monitor people who enter the campus
and determine if there are people who should not be on school property. Security
camera technology has improved in recent years, and all Orange County school districts
should obtain and incorporate camera systems throughout their campuses. Some
Orange County school districts lack cameras in all elementary schools leaving them
unable to monitor school violence, crime, or intruder activity as well as gathering
evidence of those events.
Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered school surveillance
cameras, motion detection, people counting, thermal imaging cameras, and others are
becoming more commonly used on school campuses throughout the United States as
incidents of violence increase. Through Al technology, school staff can use facial
recognition to monitor people entering and exiting the campus in real-time, thus
increasing enhanced situational awareness.
Although some parents and students may feel security cameras can be intrusive, they
can significantly increase safety. Al technology can assist school administrators in
tracking the number of students entering school at the beginning of the school day and
how many students exited the campus during an evacuation.
Al technology can help school districts with limited budgets make their current security
devices perform more effectively. Facial recognition and perimeter detection are key
improvements that Al brings to camera monitoring systems. Such advancements alert
the security staff by raising real-time alarms upon detecting any unauthorized face or
suspicious activity.
Orange County school campuses should have security cameras at strategic locations
including entrances, hallways, stairwells, libraries, and parking lots. This level of
coverage could give school administrators the ability to detect unfolding active shooter
incidents and other emergencies.
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Although security cameras cannot stop an active shooter, the simple presence of
security cameras throughout school campuses can aid school security teams and local
law enforcement in their responses to emergencies and provide evidentiary footage in
their investigations.
There are many choices of security monitoring systems in a wide price range such as:
Dome Security Cameras: Their wide-angle lens allows for maximum coverage.
Bullet Security Cameras: They provide high definition, crisp photos even in dim
light. They attach to walls or ceilings and can be positioned in any direction.
PTZ Security Cameras: They are similar to dome cameras but have the ability to
pan, tilt, and zoom.
Advanced Technology
The safety of students and staff should be a top priority for schools. Gaps in security
can leave schools vulnerable. Current advanced technology can computerize manual
processes that may leave schools open to potential security risks. Schools need to
make sure that their security systems are contemporary and able to protect students
and staff from any potential threats.
Some advanced school security trends are as follows:
A Visitor Management System (VMS): Schools can use this system to help
ensure the safety and security of their campuses. This system eliminates manual
logs while simplifying check -ins as well as providing background screening for
visitors. Most systems will flag registered sex offenders and child custody orders.
Perimeter Security Systems: From cameras to license plate readers and access
control systems, these tools provide real-time monitoring that protects against
potential threats. Automated license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras are an
asset in emergency situations, providing useful information for response and
investigative purposes.
By staying up to date on the latest advances in school security technology, school
administrators can make sure that their schools remain as safe as possible for all
students and staff. The Grand Jury recommends to all school districts that as funding
becomes available for school security, school districts consider implementing the
advanced technology solutions identified above.
Protective Covering/Tinted Windows
While everyone in Orange County wants safer schools, some communities favor an
open and friendly educational environment for their children and are concerned about
having school campuses that resemble a prison -like environment.
However, one of the problems with the open design of many school campuses
throughout Orange County is that there is too much visibility into classrooms from
outside areas open to the public. Many classrooms lack curtains, mini -blinds, or other
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basic window coverings to obscure an intruder's view. Securing classroom windows will
help create a safer learning environment for students.
School districts should cover school windows with shatter -resistant and/or tinted film
covering to add an additional layer of protection from an active shooter. Although these
measures will not prevent an intruder from entering a school campus and begin
shooting, it can slow their progress and reduce visibility into the classrooms.
In an active shooter scenario, shatter -resistant film can slow down an intruder and
reduce the impact of ammunition fired into classrooms, giving teachers and students
more time to escape or hide. It can also assist law enforcement in recovering spent
ammunition. Shatter -resistant film can be purchased as a tinted or clear covering.
Clear shatter -resistant covering applied over windows can be painted with a festive
design or historical figure in American history to help school administrators maintain an
inviting campus. To engage students and the community, school staff could even have
an art competition to see who comes up with the best theme or design for the windows.
While the possibility of an active shooter on a school campus has gripped the country
with fear, Orange County residents do not need to have schools that resemble
fortresses to take preventative measures against violent intruders.
Orange County school districts should exhaust all their capabilities to address campus
vulnerabilities around physical security.
School Active Shooter Training
The Orange County Sheriff's Department, in collaboration with city police departments,
conducts Active Shooter Training exercises for first responders, which include School
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Resource Officers, Sheriff's Deputies, fire personnel, medical personnel, and the OCSD
Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). These exercises are held at local schools
when classes are not in session, and other sites and training areas that can be used to
simulate a school setting.
Several members of the 2022-2023 Grand Jury observed an active shooter training for
local law enforcement at an Orange County high school which was not in session.
Signage was posted around the school to notify the public of the training and
immediately surrounding residents and businesses were advised of the event to avoid
unnecessary panic.
The training began with a basic classroom power point presentation outlining the
strategy and mission. Best practices and the reason for the training were also
explained.
Upon completion of the briefing, shots were fired, and a smoke canister was ignited.
Officers entered on the ground floor with handguns and rifles drawn. They then
proceeded to the second floor, searching for the threat while a dozen OCSD Explorers
and approximately 40 student volunteers served as actors portraying the injured
pleading for help. The volunteers, student -actors who were to be subjected to simulated
gunfire, were equipped with full -coverage helmets. They adhered to "Run, Hide, Fight",
a protocol of survival skills which is taught in Orange County schools as a response to
an active shooter situation.
Orange County Sheriff's Deputies are trained to arrive and immediately enter to put
down the threat before lives, or additional lives, are lost. Once a threat is observed or
heard, law enforcement enters the classroom or campus area and immediately
eliminates the threat. The training is to instill in law enforcement an ability to react to the
situation presented quickly and then take additional actions as warranted.
"The body won't go where the mind hasn't been and
this training does just that" (OCSD)
Officers on the scene were armed with rifles, handguns, and smoke grenades. They
were also equipped with battering rams and forced entry devices. Their firearms were
loaded with blanks and paint tips. The only live ammunition was with a unit of Sheriff's
Deputies who did not participate in the exercise but who surrounded the perimeter of
the school solely to ensure the safety of the participants from any outside attackers who
might take advantage of the chaos to harm participants.
This training is part of the Safe Schools Initiative offered by the Orange County
Department of Education (OCDE), and ties into the Orange County Sheriff's
Department's Assess, Prepare and Train (APT) program.
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At the training attended and observed by the Grand Jury members, two scenarios were
performed. The first was an approximately twenty -minute outdoor scene where shots
were heard, and first responders were called in. Chaos was rampant as there was a
smoke distraction while people were running (or hobbling) in different directions. Injured
stand-ins were on the ground screaming and begging for help. Officers are trained to go
right to and eliminate the threat despite the urge to lend aid to the wounded.
In the second scenario, Deputies and SROs entered a chaotic active shooter scene,
stepped over "dead and injured" victims, and chased a male shooter who now had
taken a hostage who was used as a shield. The perpetrator entered a room inside the
school and concealed himself. Officers searched and cleared every classroom until a
locked door was discovered in a service room. Officers announced their presence and
forced open the door, the hostage was separated from the shooter, and a surrender
took place, so the shooter was taken into custody, eliminating the threat.
Procedures are built into the training to ensure that police do not mistake innocent
bystanders for the shooter. Police will not stop to help injured people until the threat is
eliminated. Once the school is "cleared" of any further threat, waiting emergency
medical personnel enter to stop the bleeding of the wounded, who are then taken to
medical triage.
END -EX (end of exercise) was called by the trainers, and the actions of the Sheriff's
Deputies and other participants were reviewed, critiqued, and questions addressed.
These drills are not unique to Orange County, and many have proven their value. In
Nashville, Tennessee, similar drills were being conducted at area schools and included
school staff. Dr. Katherine Koonce, Director at Covenant School, attended one as an
observer and immediately requested an exercise for her school.
During the March 27, 2023, shooting at the Covenant School, Dr. Koonce, while losing
her own life, along with other staff saved countless lives. Nashville Metro Police Chief
John Drake described it this way: "Students were in their classrooms, locked up, the
professional [school staff] outdoors to lead the Metro policeman. She had a key, [knew]
what her headcount was, she knew [exactly] where the students would be, she was
prepared," Drake told ABC News. "I'm sure they had run those drills, and it's because of
Katherine and the foresight she had to make sure her staffers were prepared."
Under the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act, public K-12 schools in Florida
are required to hold frequent active shooter drills. The Grand Jury hopes a tragedy like
those that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida,
Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, and other schools across the nation does not
have to happen in California. However, it is necessary to prepare for that possibility.
Therefore, the Grand Jury recommends that all school districts host Active Shooter
Training by July 1, 2024, and thereafter on an every -other -year basis.
School Active Shooter Tabletop Exercises
The Orange County Sheriff's Department School Resource Officer Program, along with
a designated Orange County school, sponsors active shooter tabletop exercises for
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schools within Orange County. The tabletop exercise is an emergency management
technique designed to increase preparedness for an active shooter in a safe
environment.
These exercises are generally held on a school campus and directed by a Facilitator
designated by the Sheriff. Currently, the tabletop exercises are attended by on -site
school personnel, law enforcement, and observers. Other schools within the district are
invited to participate, as well as local city police. In the exercises the Grand Jury
attended, the schools were represented by the principal and other school staff including
teachers, district staff, school security personnel, maintenance personnel, and mental
health counselors. Law enforcement attendance consisted of the Facilitator, School
Resource Officers, and officers from OCSD's Operations Division. The Orange County
Grand Jurors attended as observers but were able to participate in discussions.
The participants are presented with a crisis scenario and asked to discuss their
response. It is important that plans be customized to the individual schools because of
the different layouts and points of access and egress of each school campus. School
maps are included in the provided Situation Manual to accommodate this need.
All attendees were given a Situation Manual which provides participants with all
necessary tools for their roles in the exercise. The manual calls out the overview for the
exercise, the roles and responsibilities of the participants, and the structure which is
broken down into three modules.
The Situation Manual also points out the "Scenario Ground Truth" which allows
participants to know what conditions to assume prior to facing their scenario, such as
the time of day, weather at the time of the occurrence, and the staffing level of first
responders.
The tabletop exercise is discussion based, planned to last approximately 90 minutes,
and presented in three modules:
Module One: Preparedness
This module is a discussion of the preparedness of the school(s) where the level of
security, access, and communication is addressed. Fencing (coverage and height),
cameras, door locks, points of egress, using items to block doors, and window covers
are among items discussed for facilities. Two-way radio communication, a public
address system for lock -down announcements, lanyard alarms, and cell phones are
some of the items discussed as tools for communication. This discussion brings in ideas
to improve a school's preparedness while the school also brings information for the
Facilitator to use in future tabletop exercises.
Module Two: Incident Response
In Module Two, a realistic scenario is presented to the participants where a report
comes in from 911, stating that possible gunshots have been heard at the school and
patrol units have been dispatched to the scene.
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Discussion starts with school personnel describing how the school goes into lockdown
to protect staff and students while a command post is set up near the school. This is
when school officials discuss and share information such as accounting for all students,
tying phones to the District Office, and other communication efforts.
Module Three: Student / Family Re -Unification
This final module deals with the aftermath; the shooter has been neutralized and rooms
and buildings have been cleared by law enforcement. At the exercise observed by
members of the Grand Jury, preliminary information provided for the sake of discussion
indicated that five students and staff were deceased and 15-20 injured that had been, or
were in the process of being, transported to local hospitals.
The tabletop discussion then deals with orderly release and relocation to nearby off -site
triage and reunification locations. There is also discussion about what information can
and cannot be passed on to parents. Ideas for managing the media and what can be
released and who can interface with media are also discussed. Mental health support
and its role are discussed in this module as well.
The success of the tabletop exercise lies in the practice and review of required actions
and the delegation of duties during this experience. Although predicting each person's
reaction and judgement during such a crisis is recognized as impossible, this exercise
enhances the probability of team efficiency in the event of a school shooting, thereby
increasing preparedness and minimizing loss of life and injury.
Due to turnover and relocation of school personnel, the Grand Jury recommends that all
Orange County school districts host Active Shooter Tabletop Exercises by December
31, 2023, and on an annual basis thereafter. (See Appendix C; OCSD tabletop format)
Arming Teachers and Staff
The California Teachers Association (CTA), while overwhelmingly supporting stronger
laws to ensure school safety, believes the idea of arming teachers is a "preposterous,
cynical, and unworkable solution."
The Grand Jury found that practically no faculty, staff, or superintendent in Orange
County supported arming any non -law enforcement school personnel. The resistance to
this idea by educational personnel was overwhelming.
Among the reasons given by school personnel were the obvious ones of injury or death
of innocent students or staff, and law enforcement mistaking anyone holding a weapon
as the suspect. Another reason was that without ongoing training, people lose the
physiological responses to stress that enable fine motor skills and marksmanship.
While representing a tiny minority of their peers, some in law enforcement would
support arming school personnel, but only with stringent restrictions such as rigorous
training, marksmanship, and proven sound judgement. The sole reason given by this
small number of law enforcement personnel is that a threat could be eliminated prior to
a first responder arriving, leading to saved lives in the beginning. Most law enforcement
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personnel believe arming of any non -law enforcement school personnel to be an
unacceptable idea under any circumstance.
Visitor Management System
The 2022-23 Grand Jury believes that a parent and visitor management system is a key
element in ensuring campus safety.
The 2017-18 Grand Jury included two recommendations related to managing campus
visitors in its report titled: Safer Schools — What Can We Do? Those recommendations
were:
R.3. School districts should implement procedures to ensure that all campuses
maintain a complete, daily log (electronic or manual) of every visitor and
volunteer entering and exiting the campus, excluding program events such as
awards ceremonies or stage or musical productions (2017-2018).
RA. School districts should implement procedures to ensure that photo
identification is required of all campus visitors and volunteers before a visitor's
badge is issued (2017-2018).
As a part of its investigation in preparation for writing this report on school safety, the
2022-23 Grand Jury learned that 25 of the 28 Orange County School Districts have a
parent and visitor management system.
Twenty-one of 25 districts use the same software system which:
• Gives schools the power to decide exactly who is allowed to enter their buildings.
• Enables schools to keep potential threats from accessing campus by instantly
screening each visitor's government -issued ID card against the sex offender
registries in all 50 states and an unlimited number of custom databases.
• Syncs with a school's information system to ensure that students are only
released to approved guardians.
• If a visitor is flagged, allows staff to review the visitor's information side -by -side
with the offender's information immediately while notifications are sent to
administrative and security personnel.
• Allows a school's community to know that visitors are approved by enabling a
school to require visitors to wear a badge that shows their role type, name,
destination, date and time of entry, and photo.
• Enables approved school personnel to view Visitor records so that accurate
district- and school -wide reports can be created.
Even though 25 of the 28 school districts already have an effective parent and visitor
management system, the Grand Jury believes managing access to school campuses is
so important that all schools should either develop or purchase a system that enables
them to control and monitor access to campus.
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Annual Safety Inspection
All California public schools must develop a comprehensive school safety plan, per
California Education Code sections 32280-32289.5. The OCGJ believes annual campus
safety inspections conducted with local law enforcement should be a part of this plan.
During its investigation for this report, the OCGJ learned that some schools are already
conducting such inspections.
The three primary sources of information for this section were:
School district responses to the Findings and Recommendations in the Grand
Jury 2017-2018 Report titled Safer Schools — What Can We Do?
School district responses to a survey developed by the 2022-23 Grand Jury
designed to determine if school districts had followed up on 2017-2018
commitments to implement specific improvements in school safety.
The websites of the 28 school districts.
From these three sources, the Grand Jury learned that at least 21 of the 28 school
districts work to help ensure the safety of school campuses through on -going
collaborative relationships with either the Sheriff's Department or city police
departments or, in some instances, with both the Sheriff's Department and one or more
police departments. Nine districts reported having at least one Student Resource Officer
(SRO) serving one or more schools.
Fifteen of the 21 districts that reported collaborative working relationships with at least
one local law enforcement department also reported conducting annual safety
assessments. Even though all 15 districts may conduct their annual safety inspections
in collaboration with local law enforcement, only 5 of these 15 districts reported doing
so.
The seven districts that did not report working to help ensure the safety of school
campuses through on -going collaborative relationships with either the Sheriff's
Department or city police departments may have ongoing collaborative working
relationships with local law enforcement. However, the Grand Jury was unable to find
documentation of such relationships in any of its three above -listed sources.
The Grand Jury believes all Orange County school districts that have not done so
should develop and maintain ongoing collaborative working relationships with local law
enforcement. The Grand Jury also believes that all Orange County School Districts
should arrange for their local law enforcement partner(s) to conduct an annual safety
assessment of each school in collaboration with the appropriate school and district
administrative staff, facilitated via a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) if
necessary, by July 1, 2024.
Homeland Security K-12 School Safety Checklist
In their responses to the 2017-18 Safer Schools Report Findings and
Recommendations, two Orange County school districts reported using the Homeland
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Security K-12 School Safety Checklist. In its 2022-23 review of school district websites,
the OCGJ identified one additional district that reported using the Homeland Security
Checklist. Given the source of the survey and the fact that at least three Orange County
school districts have chosen to use the survey, the OCGJ decided to review the survey.
During its review, the OCGJ learned that the survey consists of 150 incisive questions
that forces users to carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their school
safety plan.
Following its review of the K-12 School Safety Checklist, the OCGJ believes that all 28
Orange County School Districts should require each of their schools to annually
administer either the Homeland Security checklist, or a similar checklist.
(See Appendix D for Seven Primary Topics of the DHS survey along with the
appropriate web site for access to the entire survey.)
Campus Entry Procedures
The Grand Jury believes the campus entry at most Orange County schools is
vulnerable to intruders.
Using information gathered from school district responses to both the 2017-18 Safer
Schools Report and the 2022-2023 Grand Jury follow-up survey on the implementation
of commitments made by school districts in response to the 2017-18 Report, the Grand
Jury has learned that at least 13 of the 27 Orange County school districts that
responded to the Report have perimeter fencing and a single point of entry. One of the
13 school districts reported also having cameras and a buzzer system to augment the
single point of entry. Another school reported the use of an intercom and buzzer system
to control access to the administrative offices. Some of the other 11 districts with
perimeter fencing and single point of entry may have cameras and buzzer systems, but
the Grand Jury was unable to make that determination.
Three school districts reported having perimeter fencing at all schools but not a single
point of entry. Three other school districts, with a total of 45 schools, reported that 41 of
the 45 schools have perimeter fencing.
Four districts reported a mix of fenced and unfenced schools. One district reported that
it has cameras and access control door systems, but no fencing.
Three districts reported that they have no fencing, and one of those three commented
that there "may be (community) opposition" to fencing.
Based on the information available to the 2022-2023 Grand Jury, only one school
district has implemented campus entry procedures that incorporate all the features
recommended by the 2017-18 Grand Jury.
Furthermore, even though at least 24 of the remaining 27 school districts have
implemented some safety measures to protect the entryways into schools, most, if not
all, could be accessed by an intruder.
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Therefore, the Grand Jury recommends all schools should review campus entry
procedures. The review should include consideration of the use of perimeter fencing, a
single point of entry, and the use of a camera and buzzer system to control entry into
the main administrative office.
As with most other security measures, there have been improvements in wire mesh
fencing. The new fencing is more closely woven, making it more difficult to scale, and
thus making campuses more secure. The Grand Jury believes this new fencing should
be the preferred fencing for those school districts erecting new fences or replacing
existing fences.
Available School Safety Training Resources
Stop the Bleed
The Encyclopedia Britannica defines "First Aid" as "...measures to be taken immediately
after an accident not with an idea to cure but in order to prevent further harm being
done." Available people and material supplies are used at the site of an incident to
provide initial care to the victim until more advanced care is secured. The objectives of
First Aid:
To preserve and maintain life
To prevent the victim's condition from worsening
To aid in recovery
The Stop the Bleed course teaches class participants three techniques to prevent loss
of blood from a bullet wound:
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• How to use your hands to apply pressure to a wound
• How to pack a wound to control bleeding
• How to apply a tourniquet correctly
Casualty Care
Crisis Medicine is just one of the many contractors that provide emergency medical
training for non -medical personnel. Members of the Grand Jury reviewed the Essential
Casualty Care course and determined it to be realistic and well done. Tactical
Emergency Casualty Care (TECC) is the basis for this type of training, and like the
philosophy of Active Shooter Training is intended to prepare bystanders and survivors
to react quickly to save lives by providing life support until the arrival of paramedics.
This type of training is realistic enough to prepare individuals to act without experiencing
shock and freezing in a life and death situation. Topics covered in this training included
viewing gunshot wounds, learning how to focus on the most life -threatening damage
first, and the different treatments available like tourniquets, packing the wound, pressure
application, and splinting.
Equipment and supply training is also given so that suitable trauma kits, hemorrhage
control kits, tourniquet kits and other medical supplies can be pre -stocked and
maintained at locations where an incident may occur.
Knowledge Saves Lives
Knowledge Saves Lives is one of many contractors that school districts can hire to help
district and school personnel prepare for the likelihood of a potential school shooter.
The primary benefit of such preparations is to improve reaction times, eliminating the
initial human tendency to freeze, and to save lives when an incident does occur.
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Members of the Grand Jury attended one of these training sessions and were quite
impressed with the willingness and intensity of the school district representatives and
staff from the schools who attended training.
Instructors were current or retired police officers knowledgeable in responding to an
active shooter situation. The first element of training dealt with prevention and how to
identify troubled potential perpetrators during the days or weeks prior to a shooting.
Prevention includes always being aware of actions and words of individuals around us,
and to say something when you see something. One of the surprising facts shared is
that 91 % of potential incidents fail because someone became aware of it and took
appropriate action to report it. Situational awareness was presented as observing
people and knowing the space around you. "Leakage" was identified as clues that
someone may be disturbed and planning violent action.
The other part of training focuses on Run, Hide, Fight which is intended to prepare staff
for the three main options available to potential victims of an active shooter incident.
Exercises were conducted with all participants in these three scenarios. Put simply, Run
is putting distance between potential victims and the threat.
Hide is primarily locking doors and obstructing views. Fight is locating and improvising a
weapon, such as a fire extinguisher, and using it on the shooter. Participants were
shown and then performed the steps to make such an effective attack.
This training and practice are incredibly important to motor memory, so reaction times
are shortened. The more quickly action is taken, the fewer casualties may occur.
When law enforcement arrives:
• Stay calm and follow instructions
• Put down any items in your hands
• Keep hands raised and visible at all times
• Do not make any quick movements toward officers
• Do not point, scream, or yell
• Do not speak or ask questions when evacuating unless asked to do so by an
officer.
The Grand Jury recommends that all Orange County school districts incorporate
Knowledge Saves Lives, Stop the Bleed, Casualty Care and Run, Hide Fight or some
combination of this training for all schools in their district on a yearly rotating basis.
"...the odds of your child's school being in a
shooting in their lifetime is 1 in 62.51 or 1.6%"
(Web Site -Donovan and PsychLaw Journal)
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Mental Health Issues
Background Studies
When examining causes behind the epidemic of active shooter situations in our schools,
it is helpful to consult the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as well as the United
States Secret Service (USSS) and their extensive research in identifying behaviors
exhibited by these shooters. In 2018, the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit produced a
report entitled "Study of Pre -Attack Behaviors of Active Shooters". The report opens
with these reminders:
• There is not one "profile" of an active shooter
• There is no single warning sign, checklist, or algorithm for assessing behaviors
that identifies a prospective active shooter
• While impossible to predict violent behavior, it is possible to prevent some attacks
via effective threat assessment and management strategies.
This report is instructive for the purposes of this Grand Jury report because it identifies
the most common stressors experienced by active shooters. These stressors include
such things as financial strain, conflict with friends/peers, and conflict at school, but by
far the one stressor that appears the most (62%) in the cases studied is mental health.
The report indicated that "25% of active shooters had a diagnosed mental illness prior to
the offense." The report further stated that of those who noted the concerning behavior
of an individual such as mental health issues, 92% were identified by a schoolmate and
75% by a teacher/school staff, if the shooter was a student.
In 2019, the United States Secret Service (USSS) and U.S. Department of Justice's
National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) issued a report, Protecting America's
Schools -A United States Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence. Among
the key findings from the report were:
• There is no profile of a student attacker,
school that has been targeted
• Attackers usually had multiple motives,
with classmates
nor is there a profile for the type of
the most common involving a grievance
• All attackers experienced social stressors involving relationships with peers and
others
• Most attackers were victims of bullying which was often observed by others
• All attackers exhibited concerning behaviors. Most elicited concern from others
and most communicated their intent to attack.
The report further noted that the observable mental health symptoms displayed by
attackers prior to their attacks were divided into three main categories:
Psychological (e.g., symptoms of depression, anxiety, anger, or suicidal ideation)
Behavioral (e.g., defiance/misconduct, aggression, or symptoms of ADD/ADHD)
Neurological (e.g., developmental delays or cognitive deficits)
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"The fact that half of the attackers studied had received one or more mental health
services prior to their attack indicates that mental health evaluations and treatment
should be considered a component of a multidisciplinary threat assessment but not a
replacement... Mental health professionals should be included in a collaborative threat
assessment process that also involves teachers, administrators, and law enforcement."
In 2021, the USSS produced a report, "Averting Targeted School Violence"which
amongst many salient points, addressed the issue of Mental Health as it pertains to
active school shooters. They found that:
"Many plotters (70%) exhibited behaviors indicating the presence of some type of
mental health symptom in the time leading up to, or around, the discovery of their
plots."
"Information on these factors was evident in their journal writings, statements and
behaviors observed by others, and histories of prior mental health treatment."
"Though some of the subjects were born with psychiatric or neurological
conditions, others had mental health issues as a result of severe life stressors."
Finally, in the 2021 Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety produced by the
Institute of Educational Sciences (IES), the issue of Mental Health was identified as one
of the indicators they studied. They found the following:
• In 2019-20 (prior to the pandemic), 55% of public schools reported providing
diagnostic mental health assessment services which were used to evaluate mental
health disorders displayed by students in their schools.
• Only 42% offered mental health treatment for those mental health disorders.
• These services were more likely to be found in middle and high schools than in
elementary schools.
• A majority of schools (54%) indicated that inadequate funding limited the mental
health services they could provide.
These studies serve as factual evidence that schools and school districts should be, if
they are not already, considering mental health issues when preparing their safety
plans. The COVID-19 pandemic served to heighten the awareness of mental health
issues which students everywhere were exhibiting because of the use of distance
learning and its subsequent isolating factors. In a relatively short period of time,
students in Orange County and across the nation found themselves cut off from not only
friends and familiar activities, but for many, a safe and supportive school environment.
They were thrown even deeper into the world of social media, leading many to develop
the mental health stressors and signals identified in the cited reports.
The pandemic has created a generation of students who now are trying to cope with a
return to what for many is an "alien" environment. Consider students who were just
starting school when schools were forced to close. For more than two years at a very
crucial time in their lives, these students were unable to experience the socialization
process necessary to provide them with many of the tools necessary for their
educational success and mental well-being. What is the overall impact on their
educational experience? When one considers the disruption caused on all grade levels,
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is there any doubt that the issue of the mental health of our students has to be at the
heart of addressing the issue of active shooters?
Status of Mental Health Programs in Orange County Public Schools
The Grand Jury interviewed many school district and school site administrators along
with representatives from a number of law enforcement agencies. The Grand Jury found
the issue of Wellness Centers has gained acceptance primarily on the high school level
and in some middle schools. Many elementary schools are still struggling to establish
effective mental health programs. The major problem facing all school districts is
funding. With the passage of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) by Congress in
response to the pandemic, many districts chose to use funds to expand their mental
health capabilities. This has resulted in additional school psychologists, social workers,
counselors and behavioral interventionalists being assigned to school sites. However,
many principals shared that a full-time school psychologist has little time for mental
health issues as they have to administer numerous tests for students with special needs
as well as for other programs. Some elementary schools have turned to parent support
organizations to raise funds for outside agencies to assist with the mental health needs
of their students.
While law enforcement agencies do not usually have input in the area of mental health
in schools, they are willing to engage with school officials when dealing with mental
health issues particularly if the school has an assigned SRO. In addition, the Orange
County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) employs what they designate as School Mobile
Assessment & Resource Teams (SMART) who can and do involve themselves in
mental health issues upon the request of school administrators. A few of Orange
County's city police departments have joined with the OCSD to have a representative
on a SMART team, however this relationship should be expanded.
An incident from the 2019 USSS-NTAC report Protecting America's Schools is an
illustration of mental problems in schools:
"A 16-year-old student shot his high school principal in the arm before his weapon
malfunctioned. Prior to this incident, the attacker exhibited a wide range of symptoms
typically associated with depression. He began to isolate himself after his parent's
divorce and while he had played multiple sports and enjoyed video games, the attacker
withdrew from these activities as his depression worsened. He began going to school
without shaving, showering, or washing his hair, and multiple people noted his body
odor. The student reported feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless and he said he
had low energy, trouble sleeping, reduced appetite, decreased interest in activities and
impaired concentration. His grades began to decline. He often sat alone in his room in
the dark. He began having suicidal thoughts and came close to killing himself prior to
the incident. According to media reports, a state psychiatrist concluded that mental
illness played a role in the attacker's actions in carrying out the incident."
Conclusion
The good news from the information provided to the Grand Jury by many school
administrators and law enforcement representatives is that Orange County public
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school districts do acknowledge, that now more than in the past, they need to address
the mental health issues found in their student bodies and they are doing so. However,
more needs to be done to identify students having mental health issues, whether they
be psychological, behavioral, or neurological. Ensuring that mental health or wellness
centers on campuses are staffed by competent professionals, particularly at the middle
and high school level, should be a high priority. These centers can be instrumental in
helping to create a supportive school climate.
In 2020, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Center for Violence Prevention (CVP)
issued a "white -paper" on mass shootings in schools. It identified a supportive school
climate as being highly significant in preventing school shootings. The CVP noted that in
this kind of environment:
• Students feel safe to talk to each other and to staff
• There is a mutual trust and respect among students and school staff
• There is on -going dialogue and relationships with family and community members
that interact with the school
• There is adequate support, training, and resources for school staff
The Grand Jury strongly recommends that all Orange County public school districts work
to provide mental health services to all schools in each district as an effective tool in
helping to prevent potential active shooter incidents.
"A cohesive and supportive school environment is
key to preventing school shootings. "
(Children's Hospital of Philadelphia-CVP)
FINDINGS
In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the 2022-2023
Grand Jury requires (or, as noted, requests) Responses from each agency affected by
the Findings presented in this section. The Responses are to be submitted to the
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
Based on its investigation titled School Shootings: How Prepared Are Orange
County Public Schools? the 2022-2023 Grand Jury has arrived at twelve Findings, as
follows:
F1 Law enforcement, first responders, and other stakeholders have demonstrated a
strong interest in working cooperatively with Orange County public schools to
mitigate the risk of an active shooter incident; establishment of MOUs between
law enforcement and school districts would strengthen this cooperation.
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F2 All Orange County public schools studied by the Grand Jury stated that they
conducted or have scheduled drills within the current school year on emergency
procedures addressing intruders on campus, but not all have done so specifically
regarding armed assailants.
F3 While all districts prioritize the safety of students and staff, the attention and
resources devoted to active shooter preparedness and response vary from
district to district.
F4 Safety and security plans for on -campus before and after -school programs are
not adequately addressed by school districts.
F5 While many Orange County public schools have installed fences, cameras, and
other methods to address the issue of active shooters on a campus, there are
still opportunities for improvement.
F6 Not all schools utilize a system for monitoring campus visitors.
F7 While there is an increased awareness of the benefits of mental health
counseling, not all school districts have implemented these programs in all
schools.
F8 School Resource Officers (SROs) are a valuable asset for school safety, yet
many cities/districts do not allocate sufficient funds to hire needed officers.
F9 Not all classrooms have window shades, tinted glass, or film to obstruct the
interior view from the outside.
F10 The camera surveillance systems utilized on many campuses require repairs,
replacement, or additions.
F11 Many schools do not have perimeter fencing completely enclosing their campus.
F12 A number of school districts have school site administrative offices that remain
unlocked on a daily basis.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the 2022-2023
Grand Jury requires (or, as noted, requests) responses from each agency affected by
the Recommendations presented in this section. The Responses are to be submitted to
the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
Based on its investigation titled School Shootings: How Prepared Are Orange
County Public Schools? the 2022-2023 Grand Jury makes the following thirteen
Recommendations:
R1 Each Orange County school district should arrange for local law enforcement to
do an annual safety inspection of each school. The written safety checklist
should include an audit of the integrity of site boundaries and a review of safety
plans and policies. This annual safety audit should commence with the 2023-24
school year by October 1, 2023, and annually thereafter. (F1, F10, F11)
R2 All Orange County school districts should establish a threat identification and
assessment system for all school sites to monitor social media, screen for
messages of concern, and manage information received in coordination with
local law enforcement using MOUs, if necessary, by July 1, 2024. (F1, F3)
R3 Each Orange County school district, in conjunction with law enforcement, should
develop and implement tabletop exercises to be conducted in district schools by
December 31, 2023, and annually thereafter. (F2)
R4 Each Orange County school district should work with local law enforcement to
plan and conduct a district -wide active shooter drill by July 1, 2024, and at least
every other year thereafter. (F2)
R5 All Orange County school districts should develop a casualty care training
program for each school in their district, to be in place by the end of the first
semester of the 2023-24 school year and provided annually thereafter. (F3)
R6 Safety and security plans for on -campus before and after -school programs need
to be addressed more thoroughly by school districts, by July 1, 2024. (F4)
R7 Each Orange County school district should obtain and incorporate perimeter
camera systems in all district schools by July 1, 2024, or earlier if financially able
to do so, and investigate the potential use of cameras that incorporate Artificial
Intelligence to enhance threat detection and prevention. (F5, F10)
R8 All Orange County school districts should review entry procedures on all
campuses with an eye toward the use of perimeter fencing, the use of single
point entry, and the use of a buzzer and camera system for entry into the
main/administrative offices. (F5, F12)
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R9 Each Orange County school district should Identify and implement a parent and
visitor management system for each school site within the school district. This is
to include identified access points, badges, or a similar identification procedure to
be implemented by July 1, 2024. (F6, F11, F12)
R10 Each Orange County school district should implement training for all staff to
identify threat -related behaviors and provide a procedure for reporting the
behavior by the beginning of the 2024-25 school year. (F7)
R11 All Orange County school districts should develop a plan to implement or
enhance mental health counseling for all schools by December 31, 2024. (F7)
R12 Each Orange County School District should assess the need for SROs or
additional SROs, reaching out to appropriate community partners to facilitate
funding by July 1, 2024. (F8)
R13 All Orange County school districts should investigate and consider bullet
resistant or tinted film covering for school windows by December 31, 2023. (F9)
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REQUIRED RESPONSES
California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency
which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to
comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and
recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body. Such
comment shall be made no later than 90 days after the Grand Jury publishes its report
(filed with the Clerk of the Court). Additionally, in the case of a report containing findings
and recommendations pertaining to a department or agency headed by an elected
County official (e.g., District Attorney, Sheriff, etc.), such elected County official shall
comment on the findings and recommendations pertaining to the matters under that
elected official's control within 60 days to the Presiding Judge with an information copy
sent to the Board of Supervisors. Furthermore, California Penal Code Section 933.05
specifies the manner in which such comment(s) are to be made as follows:
(a) As to each Grand Jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of
the following:
(1) The respondent agrees with the finding.
(2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding; in which case
the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall
include an explanation of the reasons therefor.
(b) As to each Grand Jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report
one of the following actions:
(1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the
action.
(2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented
in the future, with a time frame for implementation.
(3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the
scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a time frame for the matter to
be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department
being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency
when applicable. This time frame shall not exceed six months from the date of
publication of the Grand Jury report.
(4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or
is not reasonable, with an explanation, therefor.
(c) If a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel
matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the
agency or department head and the Board of Supervisors shall respond if requested by
the Grand Jury, but the response of the Board of Supervisors shall address only those
budgetary /or personnel matters over which it has some decision -making authority. The
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response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the
findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.
Comments to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court in compliance with Penal Code
Section 933.05 are required from the governing body of each school district below:
Findings - 90 Day Response Required
Anaheim Elementary
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Anaheim UHSD
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Brea-Olinda Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Buena Park Elementary
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Capistrano Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Centralia Elementary
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Cypress Elementary
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Fountain Valley
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Fullerton Elementary
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Fullerton Joint UHSD
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Garden Grove Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Huntington Beach City
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Huntington Beach UHSD
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Irvine Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Laguna Beach Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
La Habra City
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Los Alamitos Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Lowell Joint Elementary
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Magnolia School
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Newport -Mesa Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Ocean View Elementary
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Orange Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Placentia-Yorba Linda
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Saddleback Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Santa Ana Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Savanna School
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Tustin Unified
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
Westminster Elementary
F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12
City of Anaheim
F1, F8
City of Costa Mesa
F1, F8
City of Fountain Valley
F1, F8
City of Fullerton
F1, F8
City of Garden Grove
F1, F8
City of Huntington Beach
F1, F8
City of Irvine
F1, F8
City of Los Alamitos
F1, F8
City of Newport Beach
F1, F8
City of Orange
F1, F8
O.C. Sheriff's Department
F1, F8
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Recommendations - 90 Day Response Required
Anaheim Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Anaheim UHSD
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Brea-Olinda Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Buena Park Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Capistrano Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Centralia Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Cypress Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Fountain Valley
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Fullerton Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Fullerton Joint UHSD
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Garden Grove Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Huntington Beach City
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Huntington Beach UHSD
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Irvine Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Laguna Beach Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
La Habra City
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Los Alamitos Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Lowell Joint Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Magnolia Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Newport -Mesa Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Ocean View Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Orange Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Placentia-Yorba Linda
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Saddleback Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Santa Ana Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Savanna Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Tustin Unified
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
Westminster Elementary
R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13
City of Anaheim
R1, R3, R4, R12
City of Costa Mesa
R1, R3, R4, R12
City of Fountain Valley
R1, R3, R4, R12
City of Fullerton
R1, R3, R4, R12
City of Garden Grove
R1, R3, R4, R12
City of Huntington Beach
R1, R3, R4, R12
City of Irvine
R1, R3, R4, R12
City of Los Alamitos
R1, R3, R4, R12
City of Newport Beach
R1, R3, R4, R12
City of Orange
R1, R3, R4, R12
O.C. Sheriff's Department
R1, R3, R4, R12
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GLOSSARY
Active Shooter
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines an active shooter as "an individual
actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated
area... in most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to
this selection of victims."
Al Artificial Intelligence
The simulation of human intelligence in machines that can learn and problem solve.
Casualty Care Program
Teaches fundamentals of casualty care including how to treat casualty victims, what
steps to take to prevent loss of life, and how to save lives while under active fire, among
other topics.
CDC
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -The national public health agency of
the United States.
CDE
California Department of Education
CHDS
Center for Homeland Defense and Security -Develops programs and resources to
advance the study of homeland security research, scholarship, and professional
disciplines to enhance U.S. National Security and Safety.
CHP
COPS Hiring Program -A competitive grant program sponsored by the U.S. Department
of Justice to provide funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire additional
career law enforcement officers to increase community policing capabilities and crime
prevention.
COPS
Community Oriented Policing Services -Part of the U.S. Department of Justice that is
responsible for advancing the practice of community policing through various means
such as competitive grants.
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CSSP
Comprehensive School Safety Plans -Sections 32280-32289 of the California Education
Code requires that all public school districts develop policies and procedures in
response to common safety issues, including violence.
CSTAG
The Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines, originally known as the
Virginia Student Threat Assessment Guidelines, is an evidence -based model for
schools to use in conducting threat assessments of students.
DEE
Distance, Evade, Engage or Deny, Evade, Engage -Language used to describe how
individuals/groups should respond to an active shooter situation.
DOJ
U.S. Department of Justice
DSO
District Safety Office -Term used by school districts to describe non -law enforcement
personnel who help provide safety and security on school campuses.
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency -Part of the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) that coordinates responses to disasters beyond the level states and local
agencies can handle.
IES
Institutes of Educational Sciences -Independent, non -partisan, statistical research and
evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Education.
KFF
Kaiser Family Foundation -Non-profit organization dealing with health policy in the
United States.
Lock -Bloc
Device used in many schools to ensure that a classroom or office door can be locked
quickly in case of emergency.
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NASRO
National Association of School Resource Officers -Professional organization serving the
needs of School Resource Officers across the United States.
NTAC
National Threat and Assessment Center -Provides guidance and support to the United
States Secret Service.
OCDE
Orange County Department of Education
OCIAC
Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center -Provides an integrated, multi -
disciplined, informational and intelligence sharing network to collect, analyze and
disseminate information on all criminal risks and safety threats to law enforcement, fire,
health, private, and public sector stakeholders in a timely manner in order to protect
residents, visitors, and critical infrastructure while ensuring the civil rights and civil
liberties of all persons are recognized.
OCSD
Orange County Sheriff's Department
PASS
Preparing for Active Shooter Situations -Program from the U.S. Department of Justice
designed to meet the goals of COPS by offering `scenario -based' courses designed to
counter active shooters.
RAPTOR System
A company founded in 2002 that has partnered with many school districts in the U.S., to
provide integrated visitor management systems.
ZM A
Run, Hide, Fight -Language used to describe how individuals/groups should respond to
an active shooter situation.
SAVD-SS
School -Associated Violent Death Surveillance System -Sponsored by the CDC,
providing the most recent details available on school associated violent deaths while
helping to inform efforts to prevent school violence.
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SMART
School Mobile Assessment and Resource Team -Part of the OCSD, this group works
with school officials to address situations and incidents related to violence, threats,
possession of or use of weapons, unstable behaviors, and suicidal tendencies by
students.
SRO
School Resource Officer -Sworn law enforcement officers responsible for safety and
crime prevention in schools who are employed by local police or sheriff departments
and work closely with school administrators.
SRP
Standard Response Protocol -Provides consistent, clear shared language and actions
among all student, staff and first responders which can be applied in any emergency.
SVPP
School Violence Prevention Program -Grants given to states and local agencies to
improve safety and security on school campuses.
SWAT
Special Weapons and Tactics -A designated law enforcement team whose members are
recruited, selected, trained, equipped, and assigned to resolve critical incidents
involving a threat to public safety which would otherwise exceed the capabilities of local
law enforcement departments.
Table -Top Exercises
An informal discussion -based session in which a team discusses their roles and
responses during an emergency, walking through one or more scenarios.
TECC
Tactical Emergency Casualty Care -Based on military response to casualty care.
USDE
U.S. Department of Education
USSS
United States Secret Service
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VMS
Visitor Management System -Used to control access to school campuses.
WETIP
Strives to be the most effective anonymous citizen's crime reporting resource, providing
intelligence and information to local, state, and federal authorities.
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REFERENCES
• ABC News Broadcast of March 23, 2023; Reporting by Morgan Winsor, Briana
Stewart, Jaclyn Lee
• Active Shooter Event -Quick Reference Guide -Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) 2023
• California Assembly Bill 1747
• Educators Getting Trained to `Run, Hide, Fight' Deborah Sullivan Brennan, San
Diego Union -Tribune, October 29, 2016
• Essential Casualty Care on-line brochure
• "Fact Check: Are Firearms the Leading Cause of Death in Children?" Jill T.
Ramos, Austin American Statesman June 7, 2022
• "Implementing a School Tip Line? New Research Provides a Blueprint"- M.
Planty, D. Banks, S. Cutbush, and J. Sherwood National Institute of Justice
June 29, 2020
• K-12 School Shooting Statistics -Center for Homeland Defense and Security
(CDHS) 2021
• Knowledge Saves Lives on-line brochure
• "Mass Shootings in Schools"-Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's Center for
Violence Prevention 2020
• National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO) Website March,
2023
• Protecting America's Schools: Analysis of Targeted School Violence Report -
United States Secret Service-2019
• Report on Indicators of School Crimes and Safety-2021 Institute of Educational
Services (IES), United States Department of Education (USDE), United States
Department of Justice (DOJ) 2022
• "Safer Schools -What Can We Do?" Orange County Grand Jury Report 2017-18
• "School and Law Enforcement Partnerships" National Center for School Safety-
2023
• "School Resource Officers Revisited" Marin County Civil Grand Jury Report 2019
• School Safety.gov
• Study of Pre -Attack Behaviors of Active Shooters Report -Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI) 2018
• Survey of SROs-Education Week Research Survey 2018
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APPENDICES
Appendix A
Active Shooter Incidents in U.S. Schools Since 1999*
(Material from Wikipedia)
Date Location School
Deaths Injuries
3/27/2023
Nashville, TN
Covenant School
6
0
3/22/2023
Denver, CO
East High
0
2
2/13/2023
East Lansing, MI
Michigan State Univ.
5
9
12/8/2022
Tallahassee, FL
Florida A & M Univ.
1
4
11/13/2022
Charlottesville, VA
University of VA
3
2
10/24/2022
St. Louis, MO
Central V & P High
3
7
5/24/2022
Uvalde, TX
Robb Elementary
22
18
11/30/2022
Oxford, MI
Oxford High
4
7
11/14/2019
Santa Clara, CA
Saugus High
3
3
5/18/2018
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe High
10
14
2/14/2018
Parkland, FL
Stoneman -Douglas High
17
17
1/23/2018
Benton, KY
Marshall County High
2
16
12/7/2017
Aztec, NM
Aztec High
3
0
4/10/2017
San Bernardino, CA
North Park Elementary
3
1
9/28/2016
Townville, SC
Townville Elementary
2
3
12/12/2014
Portland, OR
Rosemary Anderson High
0
4
10/24/2014
Marysville, WN
Marysville Pilchuck High
5
1
12/14/2012
Newtown, CT
Sandy Hook Elementary
28
2
2/27/2012
Chardon, OH
Chardon High
3
3
10/2/2006
Bart Township, PA
West Nickel Mines Elem.
6
5
4/14/2003
New Orleans, LA
John Mc Donogh High
1
3
3/5/2001
Santee, CA
Santana High
2
13
5/20/1999
Conyers, GA
Heritage High
0
6
4/20/1999
Littleton, CO
Columbine High
15
24
*Does not include shootings such as by gangs, or revenge shootings around a school or
on streets or parking lots near a school.
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Appendix B
Comprehensive School Safety Plans
Best practice considerations and resources for reviewing and approving plans.
On September 27, 2018, Governor Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 1747-School
Safety Plans. You will find AB 1747 in the California Legislative Information web page.
Key provisions of California Education Code (EC) include requiring local educational
agencies (LEAs) and the California Department of Education (CDE) to include and post
requirements for new content and procedures in the Comprehensive School Safety
Plans (CSSPs), which have been implemented.
The law requires the California Department of Education (CDE) to develop and post on
its website best practices for reviewing and approving school safety plans. In 2020-21
the CDE implemented a statewide survey of local educational agencies (LEAs), school
safety administrators, and stakeholders to gather information on current practices,
challenges, and resources to assist in developing this content. The state and federal
guidance and resources below are provided to assist LEAs in reviewing and approving
Comprehensive School Safety Plans (CSSPs). Guidance includes recommendations
from the California State Auditor (CSA) Report 2016-136 School Violence Prevention.
The CSA Report 2016-136 School Violence Prevention can be found on the CSA's web
page.
Background
The California Constitution guarantees California children the right to attend public
schools that are safe, secure, and peaceful. The CDE, public school districts, county
offices of education (COEs), and schools and their personnel are responsible for
creating learning environments that are safe and secure. First responders, community
partners, and families play an essential role, as well. Schools must be prepared to
respond to emergencies including natural and man-made hazards and strive to prevent
violence and behavior issues that undermine safety and security. CSSPs include
strategies aimed at the prevention of, and education about, potential incidents involving
crime and violence on the school campus and aspects of social, emotional, and physical
safety for both youth and adults.
California Education Code Sections 32280-32289.5: Comprehensive
School Safety Plans
California Education Code (EC) Section 32281(a) requires every kindergarten through
grade twelve school, public and public charter, including community and court schools,
to develop and maintain a CSSP designed to address campus risks, prepare for
emergencies, and create a safe, secure learning environment for students and school
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personnel. In a school district with fewer than 2,501 units of average daily attendance,
there may be one CSSP for all schools within the district.
The law requires designated stakeholders to annually engage in a systematic planning
process to develop strategies and policies to prevent and respond to potential incidents
involving emergencies, natural and other disasters, hate crimes, violence, active
assailants/intruders, bullying and cyberbullying, discrimination and harassment, child
abuse and neglect, discipline, suspension and expulsion, and other safety aspects.
Schools, districts, and COEs all play a role in effective school safety planning and are
responsible for familiarity with, and fulfillment of, applicable requirements of EC sections
32280-32289.5.
Timeline for the Comprehensive School Safety Plan
The law requires that each school update and adopt its CSSP by March 1 annually. It
requires that the school district or COE approve CSSPs. EC does not specify a date by
which the safety plan must be approved by the district; however, the school district or
COE must annually notify the CDE by October 15 of any school(s) that have not
complied with requirements.
Effective school safety planning must be a dynamic, ongoing process with plans being
reviewed and evaluated regularly, and after critical incidents.
For full section from CDE website, go to:
Comprehensive School Safety Plans - Violence Prevention (CA Dept of Education)
https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/vp/cssp.asp
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Appendix C
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Orange County Sheriff's Department
School Resource Officer Program
Active Shooter Tabletop Exercise
Situation Manual
Date: Tuesday, December B, 2022
This Situation Manual (SitMan) provides exercise participants with all the necessary tools for
their roles in the exercise. Some exercise material is intended for the exclusive use of exercise
planners, facilitators, and evaluators, but players may view other materials that are necessary to
th e ir p erform an c e. All exercise participants may viewthe SitMan.
7
For Exercise Use Only
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EXERCISE AGENDA
1300
Time
— 1310
Activity
Welcome and Participant Briefing
1310
— 1335
Module One: Preparedness
1335
— 1400
Module Two: Incident Response
1400
— 1425
Module Three: Re -Unification
1425
— 1430
De -Brief
1430
Exercise End
*All times are approximate
For Exercise Use Only
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EXERCISE OVERVIEW
School Active Shooter Tabletop Exercise
Tuesday, December 6, 2022; 1300-1430
This one and a half hour facilitated exercise will feature discussion on the
preparedness, coordination, and response of Law Enforcement resources
in the response to an Active Shooter Incident.
Prevention, Protection, and Response
• Screening, Search, and Detection
• Operational Coordination
• Interdiction and Disruption
1. Discuss current plans, policies and procedures for the potential
mitigation of an active shooter in a school environment.
2. Evaluate plans to evacuate all affected areas, including notification of
any evacuation, traffic control, security, student accountability, and
operational coordination.
3. Discuss anticipated response from law enforcement and required
communication between response agencies, schools, and the public.
Active Shooter
The scenario focuses on an active shooter affecting areas in southeastern
Orange County. The scenario consists of three modules: Incident
notification and initial response, incident expansion, and investigation.
• Orange County Sheriffs Department School Resource Officer
Program
For Exercise Use Only
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Participant Roles and Responsibilities
The term participant encompasses many groups of people. Groups of participants involved in the
exercise, and their respective roles and responsibilities, are described below:
• Players. Players are personnel who have an active role in discussing or performing their
regular roles and responsibilities during the exercise. Players discuss or initiate actions in
response to the exercise scenario.
• Observers. Observers do not directly participate in the exercise. They may support the
development of player responses to the situation during the discussion by providing
subject matter expertise and asking relevant questions.
• Facilitators. Facilitators provide situation updates and moderate discussions. They keep
the discussions focused on the objectives, prevent distractions, and keep the exercise on
schedule. Facilitators may also provide additional information or resolve questions as
required. Key Exercise Planning Team members also may assist with facilitation as
subject matter experts (SMEs) during the exercise.
Exercise Structure
This exercise will be a discussion -based, facilitated exercise. Players will participate in the
following modules:
• Module One: Preparedness
• Module Two: Incident Response
• Module Three: Re -Unification
Each module begins with a summary of key events. After the updates, participants will review
the situation and engage in discussions of appropriate response issues.
Exercise Guidelines
• The scenario and exercise design is a collaboration between all stakeholders.
• This exercise will be held in an open, low -stress, no-fault environment. Participants
should expect varying viewpoints, even disagreements.
• Respond to the scenario using your knowledge of current plans and capabilities and
insights derived from your understanding of plans, policies, and procedures.
• Decisions are not precedent setting and may not reflect your organization's final position
on a given issue. This exercise is an opportunity to discuss and present multiple options
and possible solutions.
• Issue identification is not as valuable as suggestions and recommendations that could
improve response and recovery efforts. Exercise participants will benefit most when they
focus on problem solving efforts.
For Exercise Use Only
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Exercise Assumptions and Artificialities
In any exercise, assumptions and artificialities will be necessary to complete play in the time
allotted. Although everyone may not agree with exactly how the scenario is presented, they will
benefit most when they leverage the scenario as the driver to stimulate their discussions and
inputs. During this exercise, the following apply:
• The scenario for this exercise is artificial.
• The exercise is conducted in a no-fault learning environment wherein capabilities, plans,
systems, and processes will be evaluated (not the participants).
• The exercise scenario is plausible.
• There are neither "hidden agendas" nor any "trick questions."
• All players receive information at the same time.
For Exercise Use Only
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Appendix D
Department of Homeland Security
School Safety Assessment Checklist
The survey includes the following seven primary topic areas:
(1) Security — Emergency Management: Security management refers to the
people, plans, and procedures that a K-12 school has in place to deal with
security issues, including but not limited to active -shooter issues. Factors that
contribute to the effectiveness of security and emergency management efforts at
schools include the designation of a security manager; existence of security and
emergency operations plans; commitment to training and exercises on these
plans; procedures for handling suspicious objects; and engaging in preparedness
and security working groups with external partners. Schools may use different
names for a security plan or incorporate elements of a security plan into broader
emergency operations plans, which outline the school's approach to operations
before, during, and after an emergency. Understanding which activities occur at
an individual school level and which activities occur at the school district level are
important considerations for K-12 school personnel to factor into their security
and emergency management practices.
(2) Security Force: A security force is a group of school employees or contractors
whose sole responsibilities are to provide security at a school. A security force
does not include general school personnel who are trained in security awareness
(i.e., observe and report) in addition to their regular duties. Security forces at
schools may include school resource officers (SROs), who are sworn law
enforcement officers responsible for safety and crime prevention in schools. A
local police department, sheriffs agency, or school system typically employs
SROs who work closely with school administrators in an effort to create a safer
environment. The responsibilities of SROs are similar to regular police officers in
that they have the ability to make arrests, respond to calls for service, and
document incidents that occur within their jurisdiction. Some schools may have a
dedicated SRO who is assigned full-time to an individual school. Other schools
may have SROs who balance responsibilities at multiple schools within a district.
Other models may involve full- or part-time private security personnel serving in
security force roles, or school officials serving in multiple roles that include but
are not limited to security. In this section, a school is considered to have security
force only if it has people whose sole responsibilities are to provide security.
(3) Entry Control: Controlling how and when faculty, staff, students, and visitors
can access school buildings and grounds is considered an effective mechanism
for protecting against different threats, including active shooters. These controls
can include minimizing the number of points of entry, requiring identification, or
conducting searches. However, these entry controls may sometimes run counter
to the overarching objective of creating an open learning environment at K-12
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schools. Entry controls are part of the broader layers of defense that schools
have in place to enhance security. These layers of protective measures are
deployed in concentric circles around a school, starting at the outer perimeter
and moving inward to areas with the greatest need for protection. Entry controls
can help deter individuals from initiating violent attacks, detect attacks earlier at a
safe distance, and delay attackers from reaching vulnerable and/or highly
populated locations.
4) Fencing and Gates: Fences are barriers enclosing or bordering a school that
are used to prevent entrance, contain people to particular areas, or mark a
boundary. Gates are openings in that perimeter that allow people or vehicles to
pass through at controlled points of entry. Together, fences and gates are part of
the broader layers of defense that schools have in place to protect against a
spectrum of security issues, including but not limited to active shooters. These
layers of protective measures are deployed in concentric circles around a school,
starting at the outer perimeter and moving inward to areas with the greatest need
for protection. Often fences are installed at a school for the purpose of protecting
people and property from harm or damage from playground or sports items.
These sections of fence may serve dual purposes of security and protection.
However, when looking at fence lines, school officials should consider all
sections of the fence, not just the tallest, newest, or what appears to be most
secure. Areas where a person could easily penetrate the fence line and access
the property are also important to evaluate. Fences and gates may deter or delay
active -shooter intrusion. Fence construction may include different materials (e.g.,
chain link, wood, wrought iron, plastic), heights, anchoring, and other features
(e.g., barbed wire along the top, privacy screening, outriggers). Similarly, gates
can apply to vehicles and pedestrians and may include moveable bollards, roller
or slide gates, swing gates, or turnstiles, among other construction options. It is
understood that use of fences or gates is simply not practical in many locations.
In that case, the building envelope, in particular windows and doors and the entry
control process are the primary elements to deter or delay.
(5) Parking and Barriers: Parking and barriers are part of the broader layers of
defense that schools have in place to enhance security. These security
measures may be considered more relevant to explosive threats (i.e., where
standoff distance is important) or vehicle ramming threats (i.e., where high-speed
avenues of approach are a concern). However, parking controls and barriers can
also help deter individuals from initiating armed attacks; detect these attacks
earlier at a safe distance; and delay attackers from reaching vulnerable and/or
highly populated locations on school grounds. Monitoring parking areas for
suspicious or illegal vehicle placement can include viewing the parking area via
security cameras, requiring onsite security personnel to conduct patrols, or
maintaining incidental visual contact through windows. Vehicle screening
processes may also uncover weapons that individuals plan to use in active -
shooter attacks.
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(6) Building Envelope: Building envelope is the exterior face of a school building,
including walls, roof, windows, and doors. The building envelope provides a
significant layer of defense but also includes notable vulnerabilities (i.e., doors,
windows) that are important to consider for physical security. Construction
materials for doors and windows in particular influence the effectiveness of these
features in deterring, delaying, or denying active -shooter attacks. For doors,
options include metal- or wood -framed glass; solid- or hollow -core wood; fire -
rated steel or aluminum; hollow steel; metal clad; or blast -resistant. Windows
may include tempered glass; wire -reinforced glass; laminated glass; bullet-proof
glass; and blast -resistant safety films. Access to utilities and fire alarms are
important physical security considerations in active -shooter situations because
attackers can coopt these features to create diversions or complicate response
efforts. Portable buildings that are used for classrooms often add unique
challenges. Portable buildings or temporary structures used for classrooms often
do not have the same construction features as the primary building. Thus,
windows and doors will not have the same level of security. Often the portable
buildings are located in unsecured areas that provide easy access to an attacker.
If a school has portable buildings and eliminating their use is not practical,
additional security measures are often necessary, including increased
monitoring, assigned security personnel, retrofitting doors and locks, or ballistic
protection on the windows. Securing these school building features as part of
steady-state efforts may deter attackers from attempting to exploit them.
7) CCV — VSS: CCV and video surveillance systems (VSS) are electronic
systems of cameras, control equipment, recorders, and related apparatus used
for surveillance or alarm assessment. These systems can help deter individuals
from initiating armed attacks and detect these attacks earlier at a safe distance.
CCV/VSS technology options include a range of technologies (i.e., digital or
analog, fiber or wireless transmission) and features (i.e., color or black -and -white
video, adjustable side -to -side or up-and-down movement of cameras, wide-angle
or zoom views). They also can include software that helps identify anomalies and
ultimately the ability of users to identify suspicious behaviors. Schools may have
dedicated security staff who monitor these systems in real time, or they may only
view recorded information in response to specific incidents or inquiries. Following
an incident, CCV/VSS data can provide valuable forensic information that first
responders can use in response efforts and follow-on investigations. Surveillance
cameras can be used to monitor common areas that are not within the normal
view of teachers, administrators, or security personnel. Video surveillance can
also streamline access control procedures, allowing administrative or security
personnel to monitor and control locked entrances remotely when used with
intercoms and remote control door locks, if practical.
Access to full school survey:
School Security Assessment Tool (SSAT) I CISA (https://www.cisa.gov/school-security-
assessment-tool)
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Appendix E
2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury
School Safety Questionnaire
For Public Schools
Mailing Address: OC Grand Jury, 700 W Civic Center Dr, Santa Ana, CA 92701
e-mail Address: grandiurysupport(a)-occourts.org
Admonition: This correspondence and your response to it are strictly confidential. This
confidential document may only be discussed with those individuals responsible
for or needed to answer the survey questions. This means that the contents of this
survey and your answers are not to be released to the public or shared with anyone not directly
involved in responding without the prior written authorization of the Orange County Superior
Court or Orange County Grand Jury. The Grand Jury assures you that it will maintain the
confidentiality of site -specific information provided in each response, will not publicly disclose
anything that could lead to the identity of any respondents, and thanks you in advance for
your cooperation.
School District:
Public School:
Grade Levels:
Respondent's Name and Title:
Phone Number:
Response Date:
e-mail:
Enrollment:
Note: If more room is required to provide the requested information, you may include an
additional document numbered to indicate the question.
1. Does your school have a
Yes
Comprehensive School Safety Plan
No (also select `Other' and explain)
(CSSP)?
Other (please explain):
2. How often is the CSSP updated and
Annual
approved?
Other (please explain)
3. Does your school perform a Safety
Yes
Assessment as part of the CSSP
Other (please explain)
development process?
4. Does your school have a written
Yes
policy (or policies) and/or
District Policy Only
procedure(s) regarding visitor access
No
to your school campus during school
hours?
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Please submit your CSSP, Safety Assessment, and all School Safety policies and
procedures to the Grand Jury, preferably electronically to the e-mail address:
prandiurysupport(a-_)occourts.orp near the top of this page, including policies and
procedures that address approved visitor lists, visitor rules and protocols,
intruders or unauthorized persons and response protocols, active shooter
protocols, lockdowns, evacuations, student release and other related topics.
5. Who is responsible for campus
Principal
access policy development, periodic
Additional School Administrators
reviews, approval, and/or training?
District Superintendent
(Check all that apply)
District Administrators and/or Staff
School Board
Crisis Team Leaders
School Site Council
Local Law Enforcement
Outside Consultants
Other (please list)
6. A printed or electronic copy of the
District Administrators
campus access policy is distributed to:
School Administrators
(Check all that apply)
Teachers
Substitute Teachers
Support Staff
Maintenance Staff
Parents
Students
School Volunteers
Law Enforcement
Other (please list)
7. The campus access policy is available
English
in the following languages:
Spanish
(Check all that apply)
Vietnamese
Korean
Other (please list)
8. What funding sources has your school
Bond Issue(s)
utilized to finance school safety
Federal Funds/Grants
improvements?
State Funds/Grants
Fundraisers
Philanthropic Entities/Donations
Other
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9. What are the attributes of the fence
Ten feet and higher
installed around your school?
Eight to ten feet
(Check all that apply)
Six to eight feet
Less than six feet
Single point of entry
Multiple points of entry with locking
gates
Multiple points of entry (no gates)
No fence
10.Who receives training regarding
District Administrators
visitor/ intruder access to your
School Administrators
campus?
Teachers
(Check all that apply)
Substitute Teachers
Support Staff
Maintenance Staff
Parents
Students
School Volunteers
Other (please list)
11. How often is intruder response
Periodically
training provided?
Annually
(Check all that apply)
Start of Semester/Semi-annually
Start of Quarter/Quarterly
Monthly
New Hire/Staff Transfers (including
Teachers)
Other (please explain)
12. Does your campus conduct active
Yes — Only campus personnel
drills for intruders?
Yes — Campus personnel and students
Yes — Campus personnel and law
enforcement
Yes — Campus personnel, students,
and law enforcement
No
13. Is there a system in place to alert the
Yes
entire campus about the presence of
No — Only partial (please explain):
intruders?
No (please explain
14.Are intruder incident reports prepared
Yes
and filed with law enforcement?
No
15.Are intruder logs submitted
Yes
periodically to the school district?
No
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SCHOOL SHOOTINGS: HOW PREPARED ARE OC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
16.Are intruder events shared with other
Yes
schools in Orange County?
No
17.Are intruder events shared with other
Yes
schools in the state?
No
18. Can classroom doors be locked from
Yes
inside the classroom?
No
19. Can office, gymnasium, auditorium,
Yes
and cafeteria doors be locked from
Some (please list
inside?
No
20. Can classrooms be locked from a
Yes
central location, such as the main
No
office?
21. Is there video surveillance of the
Yes (check all that apply)
campus?
Exteriors
Offices
Hallways
Classrooms
Auditorium/Theatre
Gymnasium
Cafeteria
Other (please list)
No
22. How does staff distinguish between
Please explain:
students and non -students of similar
age?
23. Whom does your school allow onto
Parent/Guardian/Family of Student
campus other than students and staff
School Volunteers
during the school day?
Vendors
(Check all that apply)
Contractors
Delivery Personnel
Family of Staff
Other (please list)
24. Does your campus utilize Raptor or
Yes, Raptor (Skip to 28)
another identity verification system
Other (please list)
for visitors?
No
25.Are visitors required to show picture
Yes
identification and sign in at the main
No
office?
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SCHOOL SHOOTINGS: HOW PREPARED ARE OC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
26. What information is included on
Name
temporary visitor badges?
Date
(Check all that apply)
Destination on campus
Other (please list
27. Are logs maintained of all visitors to
Yes
our campus?
No
28. Who is required to wear a visible
Parent/Guardian/Family of Student
temporary visitor's badge?
School Volunteers
(Check all that apply)
Vendors
Contractors
Delivery Personnel
Family of Staff
Other (please list
29.Are visitors required to sign out and
Yes, always
surrender temporary visitor badges
Yes, sometimes (please explain)
when leaving the campus?
No (please explain
30. Who is required to wear a photo
District Administrators
identification badge while on campus
School Administrators
during the school day?
Teachers
(Check all that apply)
Substitute Teachers
Support Staff
Maintenance
Parents
Students
School Volunteers
Other (please list)
31. Does your school allow any visitors
No
onto campus without signing in
Yes (please explain)
during the school day?
32. If a visitor accesses the campus
Please explain:
without checking in, how is the visitor
located, tracked, and identified?
33. Who is equipped with two-way
School Administrators
communication devices?
School Staff
(Check all that apply)
Teachers
Substitute Teachers
Maintenance Staff
Coaches
Other
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SCHOOL SHOOTINGS: HOW PREPARED ARE OC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
34. Is there a policy in place to alert the
office staff about school employees
or family members of students with
active restraining orders?
Yes
No (please explain)
35. Is there a procedure in place that
encourages the reporting of
weaknesses or failures in any
campus security systems?
Yes
No
36. What are your biggest concerns
regarding your ability to secure your
school campus from outside
intrusion?
Please explain:
37. Does your school have a Wellness
Program on campus to identify
students who may be in crisis and
provide behavioral and mental health
support to prevent the crisis from
becoming violent?
No
Yes (please describe):
38. If your school was granted additional
funding for security, how would the
school use it?
Please explain:
39.Are there any other security
measures in place at your school that
were not revealed in prior questions
and answers?
Yes (please explain):
No
40. Is there anything else about your
school's security that you wish the
Grand Jury to know?
Yes (please explain):
No
41. Please provide the names and
contact information of anyone else to
whom the Grand Jury may reach out
to, other than those identified in
Question 2, should it have additional
or follow-up questions:
Please list:
ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY 2022 1 2023
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ATTACHMENT B
Mayor
Noah Blom
Mayor Pro Tem
Will O'Neill
Council Members
Brad Avery
Robyn Grant
Lauren Kleiman
Joe Stapleton
Erik Kenneth Weigand
August 22, 2023
Honorable Maria Hernandez
Presiding Judge
Superior Court of California,
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Orange County
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3004 1949 644-3039 FAX
newportbeachca.gov
Re: Response to Grand Jury Report, "School Shootings: How Prepared
are Orange County Public Schools?"
Dear Honorable Judge Hernandez
In accordance with Penal Code 933.05 (a) & (b), the City of Newport Beach
and the Newport Beach Police Department respond as follows in regard to
"Findings" F1 and F8 and "Recommendations" R1, R3, R4, and R12 as
detailed the 2022-2023 Orange County Grand Jury report, "School
Shootings: How Prepared are Orange County Public Schools?"
FINDINGS
F1 "Law enforcement, first responders, and other stakeholders have
demonstrated a strong interest in working cooperatively with Orange
County public schools to mitigate the risk of an active shooter
incident, establishment of MOUs between law enforcement and
school districts would strengthen this cooperation."
RESPONSE:
In the case of the City of Newport Beach, the Newport Beach Police
Department and the Newport -Mesa Unified School District, a formal School
Resource Officer Program MOU already exists. All involved parties review
the agreement on an annual basis. While not specifically included in the
agreement referenced above, the Newport Beach Police Department
routinely conducts active shooter training for its personnel at both public
and private school sites within Newport Beach and the department's School
Resource Officers routinely consult with school district personnel regarding
active shooter protocols.
Office of the Mayor
Letter to the Honorable Maria Hernandez, Presiding Judge
August 22, 2023
Page 2
F8 "School Resource Officers (SROs) are a valuable asset for school
safety, yet many cities/districts do not allocate sufficient funds to hire
needed officers."
RESPONSE:
The City agrees that School Resource Officers are valuable, and currently
have sufficient funds allocated for its School Resource Officer program and
the need for additional resources is reviewed on a continual basis. The City
cannot, however, opine as to whether other cities and/or school districts
have allocated sufficient funding for their respective programs.
RECOMMENDATIONS
R1 "Each Orange County school district should arrange for local law
enforcement to do an annual safety inspection of each school. The
written safety checklist should include an audit of the integrity of site
boundaries and a review of safety plans and policies. This annual
safety audit should commence with the 2023-24 school year by
October 1, 2023, and annually thereafter."
This recommendation has been partially implemented in Newport Beach.
The Newport -Mesa Unified School District maintains and renews a
Comprehensive Safe School Plan for each school year. The
Comprehensive School Safety Plan is reviewed by school staff and the
Newport Beach Police Department. During the 2022-2023 school year, in
anticipation for the following school year, the Newport -Mesa Unified School
District had the Orange County School Mobile Assessment and Response
Team (SMART) conduct safety inspections at its schools. The safety
inspections included a written safety checklist. The Newport Beach Police
Department does not currently do site safety inspections for the schools
within its jurisdiction, however the department plans to consult with OC
SMART to develop its own school site assessment and written safety
checklist. The Newport Beach Police Department intends to have its
school site assessment checklist and training completed by December 31,
2023.
R3 "Each Orange County school district, in conjunction with law
enforcement, should develop and implement tabletop exercises to be
conducted in district schools by December 31, 2023, and annually
thereafter. "
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Letter to the Honorable Maria Hernandez, Presiding Judge
August 22, 2023
Page 3
RESPONSE:
This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but it will be
implemented in the future. The Newport Beach Police Department, in
conjunction with the Newport -Mesa Unified School District, will develop and
conduct a tabletop exercise at district school prior to December 31, 2023.
R4 "Each Orange County school district should work with local law
enforcement to plan and conduct a district -wide active shooter drill by
July 1, 2024, and at least every other year thereafter."
RFSPC)NSF-
This recommendation has been partially implemented. The Newport -Mesa
Unified School District conducts lockdown drills at all of its schools. The
drills do not currently include law enforcement personnel. The Newport
Beach Police Department, in conjunction with the Newport -Mesa Unified
School District, will coordinate to plan and conduct a district -wide active
shooter drill by July 1, 2024.
R12 "Each Orange County school district should assess the need for
SROs or additional SROs, reaching out to appropriate community
partners to facilitate funding by July 1, 2024."
RFSPONSF-
"R12" has been implemented. In 2018, the Newport Beach Police
Department added a third SRO position. The Newport Beach Police
Department now has three officers assigned as School Resource Officers.
One SRO is assigned to Corona del Mar High School and Middle School.
One SRO is assigned to Newport Harbor High School. The third SRO is
assigned to Ensign Middle School and covers the elementary schools in
the City as needed. The need for additional resources is reviewed on a
continuous basis.
Should you or any members of the Grand Jury have questions about our
response, please contact Police Chief Joe Cartwright at
0cartwrightCcDnbpd.org or 949-644-3701.
Sincerely,
Noah Blom
Mayor
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