Schools

Sachem Security Presents Current, Future Outlook For District

In light of Newtown, Conn. shootings, the district's head of security put together a package of what the school is currently doing and what it hopes to accomplish down the road.

At the January 16 Board of Education meeting, Sachem Director of Security Wayne Wilson, along with Assistant Director James Kalachik presented a detailed presentation of the office's responsibilities, duties and certification processes for guards under his administration. They also pointed out areas they would like to see enhanced in the near future to protect all students in the district.

Currently during daytime operations, security personnel at the district includes:

  • 1 Base Operator
  • 9 guards at HS East (reduced from 12 for elementary coverage)
  • 9 guards at North (reduced from 12 for elementary coverage)
  • 1 guard at each of the four middle schools
  • 2 district-wide mobile units
  • 12 guards at the Elementary schools

Wilson stopped short of naming specific procedures, citing that it would be counterproductive to safety, but assured the community that his department was "doing everything at this time" to protect students.

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During the questioning portion of the presentation Wilson and board members understood that the district is spread somewhat thin, especially with the 3-guard reduction in staff at the two high schools. Wilson stated he would be presenting his financial recommendations for the new budget in the near future.

Among future considerations for enhancing the district's security, Wilson recommended:

Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Upgrading the existing camera systems.
  • Installing additional interior/exterior cameras at both East and North high schools.
  • K-9 search services from Suffolk Police.
  • Walk-thru metal detectors and hand held wands on request.
  • A Security Command Center.
  • Continued networking with local authorities and emergency management agencies.

Wilson also stated his office was "looking into" fast-acting doorstoppers that can actually lock a classroom door from the inside, and he noted a board member's recommendation to install a camera that would take pictures of license plates for every vehicle that comes onto school property.

Sachem Patch will report on Wilson's financial requests for the 2013-14 budget when those numbers are presented.


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