Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office’s Post

🚨 Urgent Call to Action! 🚨 The recent tragedy at Perry Middle School in Iowa serves as a harrowing reminder of the persistent threat of school shootings in the United States. With a staggering 344 school shootings reported in 2023 alone, surpassing previous records, it's evident that we're entrenched in a devastating cycle of violence, grief, and heartbreak. On January 5, 2024, tragedy struck once again as a mass shooting claimed the lives of an 11-year-old student and the school principal, leaving six others wounded. The chilling reality is that it took law enforcement seven crucial minutes to respond—a stark reminder that in the face of an active shooter, every second counts. It's time for action. Every school must have a permanent School Resource Officer assigned to ensure the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff. Our children deserve nothing less than a safe and nurturing learning environment, free from the specter of violence. But the solution goes beyond immediate responses. We must learn from past tragedies and proactively address the warning signs exhibited by at-risk individuals. Shockingly, analysis reveals that many mass shooting perpetrators displayed concerning behaviors before their attacks—a clear call for intervention and prevention measures. Technology can be a powerful ally in this endeavor. Trident Group America has an integrated solution that encompasses technology, human capital and involves the community in protecting our children. By leveraging advanced technology and collaboration, we can identify and support at-risk individuals, preventing future tragedies. Moreover, comprehensive safety, prevention, and security plans are paramount. Schools must conduct thorough risk assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and implement layers of security protocols. From closed-campus policies to ongoing intervention processes, every measure counts in safeguarding our schools and communities. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and create a future where our children can thrive without fear. Let's prioritize safety, embrace proactive measures, and work tirelessly to ensure that no more lives are lost to senseless acts of violence. Join us in advocating for change and championing a safer tomorrow for our schools and communities. #SchoolSafety #PreventionFirst #SafetyFirst #ProtectOurChildren

In a recent The Washington Post article, Dr. James Densley discussed the aftermath of the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School. He highlights the tendency to rely on what he terms "security theater"—measures that may reassure but don't fundamentally solve the problem. "Whenever a tragedy like this occurs, parents are looking for answers and school officials are looking for anything they can point to reassure parents they are doing everything they can to prevent the next tragedy," Dr. Densley explained. However, he argues that real prevention is less about visible security measures and more about "the intangible stuff" like building relationships with students. "It feels very squishy," he admits, "but the reality is it’s the intangible stuff that actually gets the job done." This perspective invites us to think deeply about how we can truly protect our schools through community and connection, rather than just technology. https://lnkd.in/gBH8_6nm

🛡️ Your child's safety shouldn't rely on stretched-thin resources. In every major city, law enforcement faces staffing shortages, leaving schools vulnerable. It's time for a dedicated solution. Our private, trained, and armed security professionals are committed not just to protect, but to become trusted members of your school community. 🏫💼 🤝 From preventing fights to averting potential crises, our teams build relationships that foster a safe environment for our students. It's more than just security; it's about creating a community where every child is heard, understood, and protected. 💡 Don't wait for a crisis to realize the importance of specialized school security. Join us in prioritizing the safety of our children with solutions that work. #SchoolSecurity #CommunitySafety #HCCIProtection #ProtectingOurChildren #TheMoreYouKnow #TrainFightSurvive https://lnkd.in/gGu5ujHW

Sadly, active shooter incidents in the United States are on the rise. This conversation could not be more relevant to address in our communities. Join Joseph Targia, Vice President at State Wide Security for increased awareness in critical circumstances. 2 hours of continuing education credits are available. Register here: https://bit.ly/46p948r #WeAreCAI #communityassociations #communitymanagers #communitymanagement #continuingeducation #Homeownersassociation #Condoliving #professionaldevelopment

What training programs and resources are essential for school staff to effectively recognize and respond to suspicious activities, minimizing risks and protecting students? A school shooting incident in Eugene sparks discussions on emergency preparedness and support systems for students and staff. Three individuals were arrested after shots were fired at Willagillespie Elementary School, prompting a lockdown. While no injuries were reported, the incident highlighted the school's swift response and preparedness protocols. The Eugene Police Department praised the staff's vigilance and commitment to student safety. Key Takeaways: - Emergency Preparedness: Explore strategies for schools to refine emergency response protocols and enhance staff training to effectively manage crisis situations and ensure student safety. - Staff Vigilance: Highlight the importance of staff vigilance in recognizing and responding to suspicious activities, emphasizing the role of training and proactive measures in preventing potential threats. - Comprehensive Support Services: Discuss the significance of providing comprehensive support services, including counseling and community resources, to help students, staff, and families cope with the aftermath of traumatic events and promote healing and resilience. #schoolsecurity https://lnkd.in/gQ4cj3AH

🚨 Just Featured on WPTV! 🚨 I recently sat down with investigative reporter Jamie Ostroff at WPTV to discuss an important issue that impacts the safety of students and staff in Florida’s schools: a discrepancy in the reporting of weapons incidents. WPTV uncovered a significant inaccuracy in the school safety data, and it’s something that demands attention. During the interview, I highlighted why accurate reporting of violence and crimes in schools is critical. Without reliable data, it’s impossible to implement effective safety measures and truly protect our schools. If you’re concerned about school safety, I encourage you to watch the interview [Link in comments] to learn more about the potential problems in Florida’s violence reporting system and how we can improve it. Let’s ensure our schools are as safe as possible for everyone. #SchoolSafety #DataDiscrepancy #ViolencePrevention #SchoolSecurity #WPLG #SafetyFirst

A recent study conducted by the CT Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation revealed 44% of school officials reported experiencing 1 to 5 incidents of students bringing weapons to school. Respondents suggested that improving #MentalHealth support, fostering a positive school climate and increasing security personnel, plus implementing additional security measures could prevent these incidents from occurring. See how Raptor solutions can help make Connecticut schools safer. 👉 https://bit.ly/3pOqzOv #Connecticut #SchoolSafety #report #RaptorTechnologies

This observation and finding on page 479 of the DOJ report on Uvalde stands out. "Observation 16: Lockdown procedures are predicated on a locked door, impenetrable doors and walls, and other physical security that did not exist at Robb Elementary. One teacher at Robb was shot through several walls and many other teachers and students were at risk of the same fate, given the high-powered rifle used in the attack." "Recommendation 16.1: UCISD must reconsider the preeminence of the lockdown procedure in a dynamic, evolving situation, where the risk of remaining in place may outweigh the risk of finding a way to exit the area, which in the incident at Robb Elementary led to UCISD staff and students running into the building to lock down. Teachers, staff, and students must be provided with options for protecting themselves and helping to protect others." If I'm understanding this correctly, when a school shooter has a high powered rifle that penetrates block walls, students should ***not*** lockdown inside classrooms, they should evacuate from the building.

Nearly 90% of threats are communicated digitally. Digital leakage can be a cry for help, a sign of inner conflict, or boasts that may look empty but actually express a serious threat. It is one of the most important clues that may precede an adolescent’s violent act. Digital leakage is the missing link for school safety & threat assessment teams to identify individuals on the pathway to violence. Learn more about digital leakage and its significance here through our website: https://hubs.ly/Q02pvzDg0 #saferschoolstogether #schoolsafety #safeschools #schools #community #threatassessment #schoolconnectedness #socialmedia #onlinesafety #digitalleakage

School shooting threats are causing CHAOS all over the country. Schools in TN, SC, MN, OH, FL, PA, AR, TX, MI and MD all received threats last week. Volusia Sheriff's Office Mike Chitwood received 54 tips about potential threats in a single night this month. Every threats cost $25k-$40k to investigate. STRATEGIES TO REDUCE SCHOOL SHOOTING THREATS: 1. Hold kids and their parents accountable with mandatory financial penalties. You can’t joke about having a bomb on a plane - same for schools.  2. Teach kids and parents to report don’t repost! If they do THEY become the posters! 3. Do better job educating kids on importance of reporting concerning behavior