Several of our school districts are investing and implementing safety measures; keeping up to date with the latest available technologies.

However, since the start of the new school year, the Suffolk County Police Department has responded to approximately two-dozen school threats.

Last week, the SCPD also held an active shooter drill at the former Briarcliff Avenue Elementary School in Shoreham. The drill, according to the SCPD, is part of the department’s continuing effort to prepare for an active shooter or emergency.

During the drill, police officers and associated agencies took part in an eight-hour training including tactical and medical care instruction.

Also last week, Pat-Med’s South Ocean Middle School underwent a bomb threat, which has also happened at William Floyd back in March.

“While patrol remains enhanced around schools, parents and students are reminded of the severity of these threats,” the SCPD said in a statement.

The department also utilizes SHARE and the RAVE panic button. However, the number of districts currently using them could not be provided as of print.

The RAVE Panic Button Mobile App allows school officials or staff to push a button indicating the type of emergency the school building is experiencing. The app will then immediately dial 9-1-1 and send an instant notification with details of the emergency and all faculty and staff on site.

According to the SCPD, the app also allows the school to send updated and critical information via messages with police and will automatically include detailed caller locations, building floor plans, emergency exit locations, emergency contacts and procedures.

The S.H.A.R.E. program, or Sharing to help Access Remote Entry, gives police officers access to the school security cameras from the Crime Analysis Center at Suffolk County Police Headquarters in Yaphank. This gives officers eyes-on information in an emergency in real time.

SCHOOL SHOOTING FACTS

Additionally, according to everytownresearch.org, in 2024 there were at least 139 incidents of gunfire on school grounds, resulting in 42 deaths and 91 injuries nationally.

From 2013 through 2022, there were 720 incidents of gunfire on the grounds of a preschool or K–12 school, including incidents of gun homicides and assaults, gun suicides and attempts, unintentional shootings, and mass shootings.

Over 75 percent of those were from shooters under the age of 18 who got the gun from their home or the home of a close relative.

EAST ISLIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

When asked what investments in safety equipment or safety measures have been taken by the district in recent years to ensure safety, the East Islip School District issued the following statement:

“The East Islip School District has long since maintained a thorough and robust approach to school security. Our buildings are equipped with updated surveillance systems, card access point readers, and highly trained teams of security personnel. In addition, we take great pride in our partnerships with law enforcement, which includes the use of resources that provide direct access to the Suffolk County dispatch for emergencies.

As the confidentiality of some aspects of our security plan is integral to its successful implementation, please know that not all components can be shared publicly.”

ISLIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

According to the Districtwide Emergency Management Overview on the district website, the district has embarked upon a path of education and training in order to prepare for potential crisis situations. Each building throughout the district possesses an updated emergency response plan for crisis situations.

The district has installed state-of-the art security cameras which enable the viewer to monitor building perimeters and main lobby access. Signs direct visitors to the main office or reception desk, and perimeter doors other than the main entrance at all buildings are kept locked from the inside. Only personnel may use exterior doors with electronic access. There are also intercoms at entrances with locked doors and door release systems in most locations.

According to the District-Wide Safety Plan for 2024-2025, the district has NYS certified security guards and aides in all schools, and all newly hired security guards are either active or retired law enforcement or security aides with extensive training.

CENTRAL ISLIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

According to superintendent of schools Dr. Sharon Dungee, ensuring the safety of all students and staff is a top priority in the Central Islip School District, and over the last few years, several upgrades have been made to improve security.

“This includes installing reinforced doors with advanced locking systems, installation of security vestibules at all main entrances, upgrading our surveillance cameras, and enhancing communication systems to respond to any situation swiftly,” shared Dungee. “While some districts have chosen to implement armed guards or stationary metal detectors, we’ve taken a different approach, aiming to maintain a secure environment without compromising the welcoming atmosphere we strive for.”

Dungee added that by fostering an environment of kindness and respect, the district ensures that students and staff feel safe and supported.

Central Islip School District also participates in the SHARE and RAVE panic button programs offered by the SCPD.

“These tools are essential to ensure quick communication with law enforcement and first responders during an emergency,” noted Dungee. “Our participation in these programs reflects our commitment to creating a safe and secure learning environment where our students can feel protected, allowing them to focus on learning and growing in a culture that emphasizes kindness and community.”

BAY SHORE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Superintendent of schools Dr. Steven J. Maloney shared that the Bay Shore School District places a high priority on the safety and security of our students and staff. Though as a general rule, Maloney noted the less information the district shares about their security measures, the more effective they are.

“We have vestibules in all of our facilities so that visitors are screened prior to entering the building. At Bay Shore High School, two modular units are currently in place while the construction of a new state-of-the-art security vestibule is completed. In conjunction with these single-entry points, all exterior doors to our buildings are locked and secured,” said Maloney.

Every building, including elementary buildings, have security staff on-site to screen visitors and monitor the perimeter to ensure all Bay Shore campuses are secure.

Maloney noted that the district’s camera and radio communications systems are constantly evaluated and updated as needed. Also, the district participates in Suffolk County Police Department’s SHARE program and utilizes the RAVE panic button system.

WEST ISLIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

Dr. Paul Romanelli, superintendent of West Islip School District, shared that the West Islip School District is committed to maintaining a safe learning environment in all our school buildings. Romanelli stated that over the last several years, the district has identified, funded and implemented appropriate strategies and procedures for creating and maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for its students and staff. 

“In accordance with Project Save Legislation, the district has created an Emergency Response Plan, and each building has a district-approved Emergency Procedure Guide,” shared Romanelli. However, the specifics of these plans remain confidential to ensure the safety of West Islip schools.

School district staff members are  trained to respond to any situation, and the district continues to work closely with local law enforcement and safety experts to ensure that all safety protocols are in place and followed diligently. These measures include participation in Suffolk County’s SHARE and RAVE programs.