School Security

The Grand Jury found that all school districts were trained in school security and threat assessment by the Ventura County Office of Education and conducted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. (FA-04-06)

The Grand Jury found that there were no ID badges on some staff, campus personnel and visitors. This does not comply with the Threat Assessment Training. (FA-01-14)

The Grand Jury found that gates were open and unmonitored. This does not comply with the Threat Assessment Training. (FA-01-14) 4 School Security

The Grand Jury found no visible campus security. This does not comply with the Threat Assessment Training. (FA-01-14)

The Grand Jury found that some schools have no perimeter fencing. This does not comply with the Threat Assessment Training. (FA-01-14) Recommendations

District representatives were trained in:  responsible, prudent and effective response to threats  behaviors that raise concern about potential violence  risk assessment  identification of warning signs, physical and behavioral clues  courses of action or strategies to control the threats  effective threat assessment in a larger context of school safety [Ref-02]

On 2/19/2013, an elementary school in the Oxnard Elementary School District was visited and found to have the following opportunities for improvement; There was no campus security visible, side gate was opened and no visitor badges visible. The principal did approach us and asked if he could be of assistance. (Att-01)

On 2/20/2013, an elementary school was visited in the Ventura Unified School District and found to have the following opportunities for improvement; there was no campus security visible, no visitor badges visible, no enforcement of sign-in sheet and no monitoring of the unlocked gate from 7:20-7:45 AM. (Att-01) School Security 3

On 2/21/2013, an elementary school was visited in the Ventura Unified School District and found to have the following opportunities for improvement; there were no visible staff badges, no visitor badges, and no campus security visible. (Att-01)

On 2/22/2013, an elementary school was visited in the Pleasant Valley School District and found to have the following opportunities for improvement; the school gate was open, but not monitored, visitors did not sign in or out, the crossing guard wore an orange vest and had a radio but no ID badge. School personnel did not wear badges. The secretary did inquire as to the nature of our visit.

On 2/25/2013, an elementary school in the Hueneme Elementary School District was visited and found to have the following opportunities for improvement; there was an unlocked gate to the playground area and no campus security visible. (Att-01)

On 2/25/2013, an elementary school in the Mesa Unified School District was visited and found to have the following opportunities for improvement; there were no visible campus security or visitor badges. (Att-01)

On 2/25/2013, an elementary school in the Oxnard Elementary School District was visited and found to have the following opportunity for improvement; there was no campus security visible. (Att-01) On 2/25/2013, an elementary school in the Oak Park Unified School District was visited and found to have the following opportunities for improvement; there was no campus security visible, the gates were open with no monitor, visitors were allowed on the school grounds without ID badges. School personnel did inquire as to the nature of our visit. (Att-01)

On 2/25/2013, an elementary school in the Conejo Valley Unified School District was visited and found to have the following opportunities for improvement; the gate was open and not monitored, school personnel did not wear ID badges and no school security personnel were visible. (Att-01) Findings