Welcome to the Office of Security and Emergency Management
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SPPS welcomed 40 School Support Liaisons (SSL) back to schools in late August. Every high school will have up to three SSLs, and every middle school and K-8 campus will have at least one. An SSL's primary job is to build relationships with students while helping keep our schools safe. Learn more about what they do here: youtube.com/watch?v=hAm5-u2QX1w.
Security and Emergency Management Updates
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Important Back to School Safety Updates
Since last spring, our district has conducted extensive engagement with families, students and staff about what makes them feel safe at school. We have carefully considered everything we heard from you as we worked on our safety plans for the upcoming school year.
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Tip Line for All Saint Paul Public Schools
“Send a Tip” feature in the MySPPS app, allows users to submit an anonymous tip about unsafe behaviors in school.
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The Office of Security and Emergency Management is dedicated to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff.
Our dedicated safety and security professionals:
- Review and improve site safety plans on an ongoing basis.
- Supervise security staff to help prevent and solve issues.
- Provide resources and support for crisis situations that might occur; such as severe weather or threats.
- Collaborate with SPPS departments to help reduce bullying.
- Coordinate with community resources such as police, fire and emergency responders.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are our schools safe?
Yes. According to studies, school remains the safest place a child will likely ever be. Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) is committed to making schools a safe place for our children to learn and grow.
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Do all schools have emergency plans?
Yes. Each school has a School Emergency Operations Plan – created specifically for that school – that is reviewed and updated at the beginning of every school year and updated throughout the school year when enhancements are identified. One-on-one meetings between school administrators and the district's Security and Emergency Management staff are also held to address specific site needs.
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Are guns allowed in SPPS?
No. SPPS Board Policy 903.00 forbids any person from carrying a weapon in a school location. Exceptions may be made for:
- An active, licensed law enforcement officer
- Security personnel on the job for the school district
- An individual with written permission from the Superintendent.
Strict action will be taken against anyone who violates this policy.
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Has SPPS considered getting metal detectors for the main entrances to schools?
Safety options for all SPPS sites are continually reviewed and updated. Based on best practices and industry standards across the nation, as well as working closely with our own law enforcement partners, we have determined that hand-held metal detection is a better option and is used in schools, buildings and events as needed.
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Are all doors to schools, except for the main entrances, locked from the outside during the day?
Yes. This is part of each school's Emergency Operations Plan. However, some programs or buildings may have a more restrictive system in place as needed.
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Are visitors required to check-in and wear ID?
Yes. This is required at all schools. MN Statute 609.305 Trespass says that it is a misdemeanor to be in the building without reporting their presence. Click here to read the MN Statute.
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What can be done to control who gets in and out of our buildings?
Safety options for all SPPS sites are continually reviewed and updated. Access to buildings is continually being upgraded through staffing, technology solutions and capital improvement efforts.
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Why are all doors not locked at all times?
As noted earlier, schools attempt to balance the safety and security of our staff and students with the desire to provide a welcoming environment to families and the community. However, safety will always be the first consideration.
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Do the classroom doors lock?
Yes.
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Are there phones in every classroom?
Yes.
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Are there police officers or security guards working in our schools?
The SPPS Department of Security and Emergency Management provides over 35 School Support Liaisons (SSLs) to support the safety of our schools. Most of them are staffed at specific schools, and some are mobile patrol to provide additional assistance depending on the needs of the district. Additionally, the SPPS Transportation Department provides Traffic Safety Coordinators to assist in school bus related safety, student arrivals and dismissals. We partner with the Saint Paul Police Department for routine events such as homecoming events, dances and athletic events, and in times where we partner in response to an incident.
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Do schools have video surveillance cameras?
Yes. Video surveillance is used at a number of locations throughout Saint Paul Public Schools and also remotely monitored. SPPS is continually adding more cameras and upgrading camera systems.
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Do schools have drills so staff and students know what to do if there is an intruder or someone actively using a weapon? How often?
Yes. In accordance with Minnesota State Law, all SPPS schools are required to conduct a minimum of five such drills throughout the school year. Each school is also required to conduct a minimum of five lockdown drills, five fire drills, and one severe weather drill. Each drill is scheduled by the site administrators/principals and reported, recorded, and evaluated by Security and Emergency Management staff. Additionally, the Saint Paul Fire Department observes each school perform an emergency evacuation once a year and provides feedback to the school.
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What are elementary students taught during these types of drills?
The main message is to remain calm and quiet and follow the instructions of their classroom teachers. Procedures involve locking classroom and entrance doors, pulling down window shades and moving children to the least visible areas in the room.
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Are there any services available to children and parents who may need additional assistance in recovering from a traumatic event?
Yes. Crisis Response Teams are specially trained and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. School social workers and counselors will work directly with those in need or facilitate services through the appropriate community partners.
Contact Us
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Office of Security and Emergency Management
651-767-8370
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Last updated: 08/30/2023