MCS starts school year with focus on safety and security

School safety and security is a top priority as MCS starts the school year, with a new security chief, metal detectors in all middle and high schools, more police officers and monitors walking the halls, high-tech ID badges to keep track of students, and school staff trained in violence prevention and early intervention.

About 500 metal detectors are being used for screenings in middle and high schools throughout MCS.  New high-tech student ID badge help administrators ensure students are where they are supposed to be.

Seventy-seven police officers are walking the halls, with plans for 29 more by December.  The 12 schools where most serious incidents occur are staffed with experienced, specialized officers that have received at least 480 hours of training.  These schools also have more hall monitors.

This past summer, hundreds of teachers learned prevention and intervention strategies to increase school safety.  Gang prevention and intervention training is planned for all administrators.  Finallly, MCS is also conducting a study to find out where more security is needed as the foundation of a comprehensive school safety and security plan.

For More Information Contact: Kriner Cash (901) 416-5300

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