We know school safety is important to our parents and continues to be a priority in Gwinnett County Public Schools. The district is committed to ensuring its schools are safe and orderly and takes a very proactive approach to ensuring the safety of students, staff members, and campus visitors. Gwinnett County’s safe schools are the result of sensible safety measures, a community committed to safe schools, an attitude that doesn't tolerate threats to the education of our children, and the expectation that all students will behave so their peers can learn and teachers can teach.
What do parents and students need to know as the 2019-20 school year begins?
This year GCPS will employ 96 School Resource Officers (SROs), an increase of seven additional officers. These experienced and highly trained police officers are housed in schools— two SROs at every high school, one SRO at every middle school, and several are located at elementary schools. Officers serve their home school as well as other school facilities in the cluster. In addition to policing campuses, SROs focus on educating students and staff on safety issues and working with school administrators on school safety plans.
If you see something, say something… we encourage students and others in the community to use GCPS’ Confidential Tip Line— 770-822-6513— to text or call with information regarding threats to school safety. You do not have to provide your name when reporting suspicions of criminal activity or possible threats of violent behavior or actions. Contact authorities via the confidential tip line if you think that someone is carrying a weapon, drugs, or alcohol on school property, or if you believe that you have been the target of violence or threat of violence, or have witnessed violent or threatening conduct by another person.
Visitor Management Systems are in place at all schools, requiring visitors to the school to buzz in at the door before entering the building.
School and district leaders have reviewed each building’s Emergency Management Plan, making modifications as needed. Approved by the Gwinnett County Office of Emergency Management, these plans serve as guides to help staff and our public safety partners respond swiftly should a crisis occur. Reunification plans ensure that, in the event of an emergency, students can be evacuated to a safe place where they can reunite with their families. Know that every school conducts emergency drills throughout the year so that students and staff are aware of the most effective and safe emergency responses.
Parents are encouraged to verify the accuracy of their contact information at the beginning of the school year as this information is used by GCPS to send emergency notifications by phone, email, and text when needed.
Our officers and other first responders are trained to "Stop the Bleed." Kits are on hand in every school and all officers carry tourniquets which can be used to “stop the bleed” in case of injury.