Photo: Getty Images
After the horrific shooting at a Texas elementary school that killed 19 students and two teachers, the Los Angeles Unified School District is updating its safety protocols in order to improve student and staff safety on campuses. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced that "the district will conduct an access assessment to reduce points of entry to campuses." It will also explore "safe corner designations so students and staff will know the most-protected areas on campus in the event of a shooting or other emergency."
District officials will also explore using a mobile app with GPS capability to help first responders more effectively access emergency incidents as well as look into enhanced mental health services. Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said,
"Since Columbine, Sandy Hook, Parkland, and now in Uvalde, Texas, we have witnessed that ready access to guns for anyone, including students, without any filter, means that any place in America can become a dangerous place, whether it's a movie theater, a grocery store, a temple, a church or a school. Thanks to the Board of Education, Los Angeles Unified has implemented numerous safety measures in our school communities. However, as part of the ongoing review of our practices and procedures, we must continue to assess and update safety protocols in order to keep our students, employees and families as safe as possible."
According to the district, it is also expanding collaboration with law enforcement and other first responders to share information, beginning with maps of LAUSD schools. In the case of a shooting or other critical incident, Los Angeles School Police Department Chief Leslie Ramirez will work with personnel from other agencies to ensure a rapid exchange of information and get a faster response time.
Photo Credit: Getty Images