Schools are focusing on training staff in de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed care. Educators and support staff are better equipped to handle challenging situations without resorting to firearms. Campus safety associates (CSAs) will monitor hallways and ensure the school is safe. CSAs are not law enforcement officers and don’t have a badge or gun.
As students prepare to return to class in Portland Public Schools next week, the district plans to add security staff to middle school campuses. Campus safety associates are not law enforcement officers and don’t have a badge or gun. They don’t punish students for bad behavior, the district said.
They were already present on high school campuses last year but will now be stationed at middle schools as well.
Schools are improving access control measures, such as secure entryways and visitor sign-in processes, to limit unauthorized individuals from entering the premises. Surveillance cameras and other technologies are being used to monitor school campuses and identify potential security threats.
CSAs will work to prevent and stop unsafe situations, like fights on school grounds. CSAs do not punish students for bad behavior, the district said. By focusing on non-gun security measures, schools can reduce the fear and anxiety that may arise from a highly armed presence on campus.
The decision to add more security comes after PPS eliminated school resource officers (SROs) three years ago. By focusing on non-gun security measures, schools can reduce the fear and anxiety that may arise from a highly armed presence on campus. The district hired 17 new CSAs, most of which will monitor the school’s middle schools. The 17 CSAs will cost PPS around $1.3 million this year.
