Physical Security Measures

In addition to following and practicing the Standard Response Protocol, physical security and safety equipment are essential components in providing a safe and secure learning environment. El Centro Elementary Schools is committed to researching and implementing best practices; here are a few measures in place within our schools.

 

Building Access

Secure Lobby: All schools have a secure lobby at the main entrance. The secure lobby provides an enclosed area to allow school staff to screen visitors before allowing them to pick up students or enter the school. While the exterior door of the lobby is unlocked, the interior door of the secured lobby remains locked until electronically or physically released by staff, stopping unauthorized individuals from gaining access to the interior of the school. 

Transaction Window: Once inside the secure lobby, visitors can contact staff through the transaction window and provides staff with a view of the caller to facilitate the screening process without coming into physical contact. 

Raptor Visitor Management System: Visitors must provide a drivers license or state ID to be verified through the Raptor Visitor Management system before receiving a visitor pass. This system screens individuals against a nationwide sex offender database, and allows schools to know who is in their building at all times for safety purposes.

Campus Entry Doors/Gates: All exterior doors/gates are locked during the school day except for the main door that leads into the secure vestibule. School staff are trained not to prop open exterior doors and only allow visitors to enter using the main entrance. 

Classroom Doors: During class, a recommended "best practice" is for interior doors to remain locked and closed. A closed and locked classroom door protects the students and staff by serving as a difficult-to-penetrate carrier. Additionally, all interior doors are fire-rated to safeguard occupants from smoke and flame.

Windows: Window film has been added to all school site windows. This specialized security product is designed to enhance the safety of school buildings by reinforcing glass surfaces and is specially tinted to make it difficult to see into classrooms when the lights are off.

 

Building Monitoring

Campus Security: Every site has, at a minimum, one security guard on duty during school hours. Our dedicated team of 13 campus security staff and 2 nighttime campus patrol officers work diligently to monitor school grounds, ensuring that students are safe at all times. Additionally, we have 23 crossing guards stationed around our schools to help our students cross streets safely.

School Resource Officer: ECESD has a joint full-time position with the El Centro Police Department. Their primary responsibilities include ensuring the safety and security of students and staff, building positive relationships within the school community, and providing education on safety, conflict resolution, and crime prevention. SROs also collaborate with school administrators to address any safety concerns and promote a supportive learning environment.

Cameras: Located on the exterior of buildings and interior office vestibules so that the school and the district can monitor for unusual events and emergencies. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, recordings are only available upon authorized request from law enforcement or an attorney.

Raptor Safety Activation System: Both the school and the district can trigger the activation of a LockDown or Secure, which includes emergency notification to all site staff and district office personnel.

K9 Drug Detection Program: Several times a year, we use these services at our junior high schools as a proactive measure to maintain a drug-free environment.

 

Safety Equipment

Radios: All schools have portable radios and a base station to communicate inside and with the district.

Emergency Aid Equipment: School staff have, and are trained to use safety equipment necessary to provide immediate intervention for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, or a severe injury. Schools have both Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and first aid kits. These items are in addition to the equipment and kits provided to school nurses, health aides, trainers, etc.          

Emergency Kits: Emergencies may take time to resolve. To address necessities, a kit with supplies is in every classroom for students and staff when facilities are unavailable.