Wichita Falls Police Officers Jeff Hughes and Kris Henning SCHOOL SAFETY Wichita Falls Police Officers Jeff Hughes and Kris Henning

Agenda Weapons Dress Codes Buildings Security Behaviors Gangs

Weapons

Weapons Webster definition: Law Enforcement’s definition: Something (as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy. Law Enforcement’s definition: Anything that by its design can be used to injure or kill you.

WARNING “Indicators” alone DO NOT necessarily mean the existence of a concealed weapon! Do not assume every child has a weapon! You may or may not have a legal basis for a search!

Weapons Most are concealed on the STRONG side of the body, generally in arms reach. Most are concealed in a pocket, waistband and under an un-tucked heavy shirt or jacket.

Weapons The violators will usually touch and re-adjust the weapon upon moving around. The violator may also touch a weapon that is in plain view if the violator is nervous or is trying to show off.

Weapons Clothing on the violator may “sag” due to the additional weight of the weapon. (Note: The violator may try to compensate for this by adding weight to the other side of the clothing.) Be aware of clothing that is worn out of season, especially, jackets or heavy clothing in warmer weather.

Weapons If you look closely, a portion of a weapon may be seen protruding from a pocket or waistband. An outline of a weapon may be visible through clothing if you look carefully.

Weapons Guns and knives can be hidden behind or made into big belt buckles. If you use a metal detector, do not just assume the buckle is what is setting it off. Long guns can be concealed in trench style coats and loose fitting pants. Look for “tell-tale” bulges, and more noticeable, ends of the weapon.

Weapons Guns and knives are easily concealed in shoes and socks but are normally not left there for long periods of time. Combat style boots and high top tennis shoes are the easiest.

(Remember the Warning Slide) Weapons Also be on the look out for: Rings (Brass Knuckles, drugs) Necklaces (Crosses – daggers, drugs) Combs, Brushes (Filed into shanks, drugs) Compact Mirrors (Daggers, drugs) Ink Pens (guns and knives, drugs) Stuffed animals (have weapons or drugs sewn inside) Key chains (guns and knives, drugs) Cell Phone (Gun, drugs) Etc…. (Remember the Warning Slide)

Concealment Fake Soda Cans/Bottles Fake Water Bottles Fake Deodorant Bottles Fake Hair Spray Fake Markers/Pens Cut out Books Fake anything

Preventing Weapons in Schools Establish and enforce a dress code. No Sagging! (baggy pants or shirts) Consider eliminating backpacks, etc. or requiring see-through backpacks.

Dress Codes

Dress Codes “A Good Dress Code” is one that is enforced! When the smallest of rules go un-enforced, all the rest become mere suggestions! Steve Garst

Dress Code If it is designed to be tucked, it should be tucked. If it is designed to have a belt, it should be belted. Footwear should be worn by everyone ALL the time!

Dress Code Uniforms are not necessary, but can be helpful. Consistency with rules and consequences are a must when it comes to the dress code. Do not allow the dress code to be compromised, even on “special occasion” days.

Buildings

Buildings All doors to all buildings should locked at all times. All visitors should go to the office and sign in and be given a visitor pass. Everyone on the campus should wear an identification badge. This will help you keep track of who is on your campus and why they are there.

Buildings Remove door mats and other door blocks. Install door open alarm notifiers. Provide adequate signs and visitor notices Routinely check roof hatches, skylights and other possible entry points. Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

Buildings Have planned drills for fire, weather and terrorists. Have un-planned drills for fire, weather and terrorists. Remember that practice does not make perfect, it makes permanent!

Security

Convenience Kills Safety Security Truism Safe Convenient Convenient

Landscaping and Shrubbery Insure optimum visibility of all possible entrances and exits Locate shrubs eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) inches away from all entrances and exits Cut shrubs at least six (6) inches below window level, or no higher than eighteen (18) inches Trim tall shrubs and trees for the ground up to six (6) to eight (8) feet to assure visibility.

Landscaping and Shrubbery – cont. Separate hedges to prevent hiding Recommend preventive measures that serve to increase the chances of detection Generally, thick and thorny type bushes or hedges are most recommended…but …remember that they may be used to hide an intruder.

Lighting Proper lighting serves as one of the most effective perimeter barriers available Provides both a physical and psychological deterrence Partially restores some of the deterrence provided by daylight Very efficient deterrent MUST… Be functioning properly

Key Control How many keys are out there? How do you know, for sure? When was the last time building was re-keyed? Who has keys? What do they open? Are there any reports of lost keys? If ‘yes’, what action was taken?

Behaviors

Behaviors Reminder that if a child comes to you or any of your staff or if you or any staff member suspects child abuse that it is a law that you must make a report to Child Protective Service as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of any person with any knowledge to make the report to CPS. It is a criminal offense not to make a report. It is a criminal offense to not allow a teacher to report. 1-800-252-5400 (Hotline) TX Department of Family and Protective Services www.dfps.state.tx.us (on-line) Sgt. Bill Henning, Wichita Falls Police Dept. Juvenile Unit 940-761-7796 Chief Karen Olsen, Wichita Falls ISD School, 940-761-3118

Behaviors Be aware of music and other forms of the media the students have on your campus. Have teachers stand in the hallways and outside bathrooms between classes. Keep in mind color schemes and pictures when you are painting hallways, cafeterias, main areas and other areas, because colors and images often influence behavior.

Red …symbolizes heat, fire, blood, passion, love, warmth, power, excitement and aggression …can elevate blood pressure and respiratory rate …emotionally intense and extremely dominating …makes people anxious …can cause people to loose track of time (Viva Las Vegas) …can be an appetite stimulant

Yellow …excessive use can cause eye irritation and can speed metabolism …in moderate amounts can… …produce sensations of brightness and warmth …represent playfulness, light, creativity, easygoing attitude …attention getter, but like sunlight… you want it to be there, but you don’t want it in your eyes. …most visible of all colors – attention getter

Green ..is a universal symbol of nature and money …symbolizes life, youth, renewal, hope …is the easiest color on the eyes …calming effect on nervous system (the Green Room for TV guests) Dark Green -- cool, masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. Emerald Green -- immortality. Olive Green -- the color of peace.

The use of art to create… Sgt. Steve Garst L.C.C./C.C.P.S Little Elm Police Dept.

In a hallway, you want students to move, not stand and visit.

Be aware of the intent and the picture being used Be aware of the intent and the picture being used. Some differences are very subtle. Passive Aggressive

Building Floor Plans Subtle Differences and Simple Changes

The suddenly hostile 6’5”, 285 lb. parent is here Principal’s Office Your only exit is here The suddenly hostile 6’5”, 285 lb. parent is here You are here Your Desk Or maybe here How do you get away?

Principal’s Office Now, you can get away? Your only exit is here Place Yourself Here Your Desk Or Here Place the 6’5”, 285 lb. parent here. If he gets hostile, you have an escape. Now, you can get away?

Gangs

Gangs Three or more persons have a common identifying sign or symbol or an identifiable leader who continuously or regularly associates in the commission of criminal activities. Penal Codes 22.015 and 71.022 1999 – felony to coerce, solicit, or induce a child to participate in the activities of a criminal street gangs. Web-sites that may give you some helpful information: www.knowgangs.com www.gangsorus.com

Gangs Recruitment Techniques: Seduction: creates glorified myths about gang life. Obligation: recruiters will do a favor then expect prospective member to join, or as a family obligation Coercion: forced to Self recruitment: Seeks out gang and freely joins Internet: Web site stating how exciting gang life is and makes promises of protection and better life

Gangs Gang Initiations: Rolled In (Jumped) – fight Courted In- family members already in Walked In – given immunity for some reason Sexed In – sexual relations with gang members Commit Crimes- must commit crimes for the gang

Gangs Colored shoe laces, shoes tied or untied on side If it does not make sense, question it! Colored shoe laces, shoes tied or untied on side Colored rubber bands on arms Clothing worn certain ways, certain colors, or unusual at all Facial hair or lack there of, shaved eyebrows Certain hair styles Handshakes or signs Tattoos or inked markings (Before you have them wash it off or cover, write it in their permanent school records)

Gangs Everything with gangs changes rapidly. If you or staff hear any kind of rumors or new information about gangs contact police, even if it does not involve your school at the time. If you have graffiti on anything in or on your school call police. Graffiti is communication between gang members and other gangs. Often times it can be a threat, and if caught early enough can be avoided.

What Can You Really Do?

What Can You Really Do? Listen Look Get Involved Ask Questions Enforce Rules and Consequences Give Students Ownership Establish Crime Stoppers Establish other anonyms tip system

THANK YOU! Officer Kris Henning Officer Jeff Hughes 17 years – WFPD DARE Instructor Certified Crime Prevention Specialist Chisholm Trail Crime Prevention Association 940-720-5006 Kris.Henning@wfpd.net dare@wfisd.net Officer Jeff Hughes 9 years – WFPD DARE Instructor Certified Crime Prevention Specialist Texas DARE Officers’ Association VP Car Seat Technician 940-720-5005 jeff.hughes@wfpd.net dare@wfisd.net