Safety Initiatives for 2023-2024
Implementation of SRP Language:
NISD will implement the use of the Standard Response Protocol that provides common language across campuses and with local law enforcement agencies in the event of a potential threat.
Routine Door Checks: District maintenance staff routinely check all exterior and classroom doors and hardware to ensure they are functioning properly.
Mandatory Student ID Use at All High Schools:
All NISD high school students will be required to wear student IDs to better permit staff to quickly identify authorized individuals on campus. Middle schools will strongly encourage this same practice.
Mental Health Support:
All NISD campuses are staffed with certified school counselors trained to support the mental health needs of students. NISD also offers specialized mental health services for students needing a higher level of support. These services can be accessed through the campus school counselor.
Enumeration of Exterior Doors:
All exterior doors on campuses will be numbered for quick reference in an emergency situation.
Additional NISD Police Officers:
The NISD Police Dept. is adding additional officers to its current 100-officer police force. All NISD officers are fully commissioned by the state, adhere to all recertification requirements, and engage in specialized training for their work with children.
Silent Panic Alert Technology:
All NISD campuses will be equipped with silent panic alert technology that, when activated, locks all exterior doors and notifies law enforcement of a potential threat to the campus.
IN PROGRESS - NISD is researching options for additional safety measures including bullet-resistant film on exterior windows and doors, the use of vape sensors and metal detectors at select locations, and the addition of audible alarms on all campus exterior doors.
A message from Superintendent Dr. John Craft:
Northside ISD is committed to a system of safety!
Run, Hide, or Fight
In this video, Lt. Kelley Fryar from the Northside Independent School District highlights the significance of school safety and being prepared for an active shooter scenario. The video presents three primary response choices: run, hide, or fight, along with practical advice for each option. It urges administrators, teachers, and staff to evaluate their surroundings and decide on the most suitable course of action. The ultimate goal is to encourage dialogues about school safety and cultivate a sense of community vigilance throughout the district.
People
- More than 100 fully-commissioned and armed law enforcement officers
- 2 officers at every high school
- 1 officer at every middle school
- Elementary clusters with full-time officer patrolling who can respond in minutes
- Full-time district safety officer
- Dedicated k-9 officer
- District and campus threat assessment teams
- Certified school counselors and health care professionals on staff at each campus
Facilities & Technology
- Bullet-resistant security lobbies
- Access control technology
- Single point entry at every elementary school
- Upgraded and proper-functioning door hardware
- 8,000+ video surveillance cameras that can be monitored live
- State-of-the-art NISD Police department communication center
- Direct communication & collaboration with local law enforcement agencies
- 24/7 NISD Safeline
- Background check system for all visitors
- Silent panic alert technology
- Numbering of all campus exterior doors
Procedures
- Established plans and procedures
- Run Hide Fight active threat training
- District and campus-specific emergency plans
- Regular training on emergency plans
- Scheduled year-round safety drills
- Required use of photo ID badges by all staff and all high school students
- Use of the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) language
Social Media Awareness
Social media can be a valuable tool when used appropriately. Not everything you read on social media is true. Inaccurate or false information spread on social media can be dangerous and disruptive to a school community.
Students who engage in posting or sharing false or hoax reports will be subject to disciplinary and criminal action (possibly a third degree felony).
See Something, Say Something
Report any threats or troubling social media messages
When reporting a social media post, use the following reporting criteria as a guide:
- What is the exact threat being made? (Exact wording, is it towards a person, campus, or facility?)
- Who are you? (A parent, student, employee, neighbor?)
- Where did you see the threat or who reported the threat to you?
- On which social media platform was the threat posted? (Are they using Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Next Door, Tiktok, a text message, etc?)
- What is the profile name, person's name, phone number of the person making the threat? (Try to get all of this information when reporting the post, especially the profile name. If possible, provide a picture of this information)
- Do you know the person who is posting the threat?
NISD has a 24/7 anonymous tip line where parents and students can report any threats or concerns. SAFELINE (call 210-397-7233 or text safe@nisd.net)
District staff and NISD police take all reports seriously and investigate thoroughly.
