Update from W. Babylon Schools on School Safety

The West Babylon School District released this statement concerning upgrades and updates on its school security systems:

The West Babylon School District has always placed high importance on the safety and well-being of its students and staff. Recognizing that ensuring safety is an ongoing priority, the district continually reviews security and safety practices and makes improvements to its current systems as needed.

As such, all seven schools within the district were recently assessed to determine the effectiveness of current security measures and what additional measures may need to be implemented in order to better ensure the safety and well being of students and staff. Intralogic Solutions of Massapequa was responsible for conducting the Technical Threat Vulnerability Assessment.  

The security solutions company identified a myriad of positive security and safety precautions already in place within the district including the use of cameras covering interior and exterior areas of the buildings, exterior doors that are locked throughout the day and the use of visitor passes with sign-in, sign-out procedures. Additionally, the district utilizes anti-intruder alarms in each building, a visible staff identity protocol using name badges and an electronic mass notification system to communicate with parents and guardians. Several schools in the district have the ability to live monitor the video surveillance systems and to utilize an intercom system at the front door of the building. It was noted that the district’s Project SAVE (Safe Schools Against Violence in Education) materials are up to date and that lockdown, lockout and shelter-in drills are practiced in all buildings.

Recommendations provided by Intralogic Solutions include the installation of panic buttons at each building as well as access control panels with swipe entry capabilities. Also suggested was the additional installation of exterior cameras in all buildings and interior cameras and intercoms in some district buildings. The district is actively reviewing means for implementing these recommendations.

In addition, the Suffolk County Police Department has requested the use of district buildings for an “active shooter drill” to be held in March. The drill, led by specialists, including members of a SWAT team, will provide officers with an opportunity to learn how best to respond in the event of an emergency scenario while familiarizing themselves with the layout of district buildings involved. More information about this “active shooter drill” will be provided once the details have been finalized.