Tag Archives: school safety

HISD PD: Social media threats of violence carry serious consequences

In the age of the internet, many assume that their comings and goings on social media and elsewhere in digital spaces are anonymous. An anonymous person can sometimes feel comfortable to say and do things online that they would not do in person. With this comfort on the rise, so too has there been a rise in anonymous threats to schools and public spaces on social media.

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Lathan, student leaders discuss student safety and well-being

Houston Independent School District Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan hosted a school safety discussion on Wednesday with student leaders from across the district to discuss strategies to ensure their safety and well-being.  

One student representative from every high school attended the morning meeting. The meeting, which will take place on a recurring basis, is part of an ongoing effort to increase the dialog around school safety in the wake of the tragic shooting at Bellaire High School last month, which resulted in the death of a student.  

“I want to thank you all for coming out today,” Lathan said. “I want to thank you all for giving of your time and feedback on this very important issue.” 

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A special message from Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan

As the district continues to explore measures to increase safety and security on our campuses, we want to hear from you.  

We have made an online form available on the district’s website for you to submit recommendations on how to improve campus safety and security. Just click on the featured button on the homepage or go to HoustonISD.org/SchoolSafety.  

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HISD Police Department active shooter training prepares officers, schools

At least three times a month, officers with the Houston Independent School District Police Department can be found at the northeast substation, training for emergency events they hope never happen.

The department’s Emergency Response Team trains diligently to prepare for high-pressure situations, such as hostile traffic stops, agitated individuals, barricaded subjects, and active shooters.

HISD Police Chief Paul Cordova said the need for the training is greater than ever before in light of recent school shootings across the country.

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HISD Police, Risk Management join Florida think tank following school shooting

As students and teachers make their way back to classes this week in Parkland, Fla., the community is seeking normalcy and continuity through vigils, community focus groups, and a think tank made up of members from some of the nation’s largest police agencies.

As part of that think tank, the HISD Police Department and Risk Management Team joined with law enforcement officers and safety practitioners from across the country on Monday to discuss school safety issues.

The session was held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on March 5, and it was hosted by the Miami-Dade Public Schools Police Department. Continue reading

iWatch Harris County Mobile App to Provide HISD Another Tool to Further Promote School Safety

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, (HCSO) in partnership with the Houston Independent School District (HISD), is launching iWatch Harris County, a new tool that allows Houston students to report crimes in and around their campuses via an application on their mobile phones.

i-Watch Harris County, now in its second year, is a free mobile app that lets users send anonymous tips, images and videos reporting crimes or suspicious activities directly to law enforcement.  HCSO has formatted the app to support HISD as it monitors reports made specifically about any of the district’s 282 campuses.

“We are excited to be partnering with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office to make iWatch available to HISD’s students,” HISD Chief of Police Jimmy Dotson said.  “iWatch will allow students to report any suspicious activity they see while maintaining their anonymity.”

In addition to HISD, the HCSO is also collaborating with other school districts within Harris County to roll out this app on their campuses within the next six weeks.

What:             Press conference to launch iWatch Harris County at HISD schools

Who:               Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, HISD Chief of Police Jimmy Dotson,                         iWatch Harris County App Developer Dan Elliott

When:             Monday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.  

Where:            Austin High School, 1700 Dumble St.