Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) is increasing the presence of law enforcement at some schools. The Office of School Safety and Security secured a $276,000 grant that is allowing CCPS to enhance it security efforts through additional police coverage.
Jason Stoddard, director of school safety and security, said the grant is limited to increasing police presence at schools and will provide coverage at some elementary schools and the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. CCPS selected schools in remote areas as well as some in more congested areas that can limit the School Resource Officer (SRO) availability to quickly respond. All middle and high schools have a full-time SRO who also covers the closest elementary schools to their regular assignment.
The extra officers will work each school day, and many will cover multiple schools. This is in addition to the regular SRO coverage for these schools. The officers are not trained SROs, so they will serve in a different capacity and generally remain outside the school in a prominent location near the main entrance. Officers may enter the school and interact with students in common areas.
If an emergency situation occurs, the officers will be available to assist staff until the assigned SRO can arrive. Their primary mission is to provide physical building security and maintain a visible presence while students are in school, Stoddard said.
Elementary schools receiving additional coverage include Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy, C. Paul Barnhart, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Billingsley, William B. Wade, Dr. Gustavus Brown, Arthur Middleton, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, Mary B. Neal, Dr. James Craik, T.C. Martin and Malcolm. Police covering Stethem will work the entire school day at the center.
The grant continues through the end of the 2019-20 school year.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,520 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.
Jason Stoddard, director of school safety and security, said the grant is limited to increasing police presence at schools and will provide coverage at some elementary schools and the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. CCPS selected schools in remote areas as well as some in more congested areas that can limit the School Resource Officer (SRO) availability to quickly respond. All middle and high schools have a full-time SRO who also covers the closest elementary schools to their regular assignment.
The extra officers will work each school day, and many will cover multiple schools. This is in addition to the regular SRO coverage for these schools. The officers are not trained SROs, so they will serve in a different capacity and generally remain outside the school in a prominent location near the main entrance. Officers may enter the school and interact with students in common areas.
If an emergency situation occurs, the officers will be available to assist staff until the assigned SRO can arrive. Their primary mission is to provide physical building security and maintain a visible presence while students are in school, Stoddard said.
Elementary schools receiving additional coverage include Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy, C. Paul Barnhart, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Billingsley, William B. Wade, Dr. Gustavus Brown, Arthur Middleton, Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, Mary B. Neal, Dr. James Craik, T.C. Martin and Malcolm. Police covering Stethem will work the entire school day at the center.
The grant continues through the end of the 2019-20 school year.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,520 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.