Safety/Security Initiative
At Cumberland County Schools (CCS), the safety and security of our students, staff and visitors are our top priorities. As we prepare for the 2024-2025 school year, we are implementing several key measures to enhance the safety of our school environments. These updates include the introduction of advanced weapons detection systems, improved visitor management protocols, anonymous reporting systems and comprehensive agreements with local law enforcement for School Resource Officers (SROs). Here’s a brief overview of these important safety initiatives:
Weapons Detection Systems for 2024-2025 School Year
Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is introducing state-of-the-art OPENGATE weapons detection systems in schools for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Key Information for Families:
Installation and Use: Portable and non-intrusive OPENGATE screeners are being installed at designated entry points in each school.
Phased Rollout: These systems will be rolled out gradually from September through November.
Morning Screening: During morning arrival times, OPENGATE systems will be stationed at key entry points to screen students as they enter the school.
Daytime Monitoring: After morning screening, the systems will be moved to the school's main entrance to monitor visitor entry throughout the day. They can also detect vapes and other contraband and will be used for spot checks, as needed.
Staffing: Each OPENGATE system will be managed by 2-3 school personnel to ensure an efficient screening process.
Exceptions: Schools located on the campuses of Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College will not have OPENGATE weapons detection systems installed.
These measures are part of CCS' ongoing efforts to enhance school safety and create a secure environment for students, staff and visitors. Families can expect a smooth and efficient process as the new security systems are integrated into daily school routines.
Raptor Security at CCS Schools: Visitor Management
Raptor VisitorSafe uses advanced ID scanning technology to verify visitor identities. All visitors must present a government or state-issued ID. When scanned, the visitor's information is instantly checked against the sex offender registry and custom databases, such as those with custody orders and banned visitor status. If a match is found, school officials are immediately alerted. The system logs all visitor data for efficient tracking and reporting, providing a secure and streamlined check-in process for parents, volunteers and contractors.
Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
The Cumberland County Board of Education has approved important agreements regarding School Resource Officers (SROs) and Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) for the upcoming school year.
Town of Hope Mills:
All SRO and TCO positions for schools located within Hope Mills have been filled for the upcoming school year.
SRO Assignments in Hope Mills:
South View High School
Hope Mills Middle School
South View Middle School
One rover covering four elementary schools
One combination rover/supervisor/after-school extra duty scheduler
City of Fayetteville:
The Board of Education approved the financial terms of a proposed MOA with the City of Fayetteville. Staff from both the Board of Education and the City of Fayetteville are collaborating on a draft MOA and hope to present it to their respective elected officials for final approval soon.
Planned SRO Assignments in Fayetteville (pending City approval):
Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) will provide SROs for 47 schools.
FPD will assign 25 school resource officers and three supervisory positions upon full staffing.
Full staffing will be phased in over approximately two years, starting with high schools within the city limits.
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office:
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) will provide SRO and TCO coverage for schools in unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office will also provide transition coverage for year-round schools and summer school sites.
Town of Spring Lake:
CCSO will provide SRO coverage for the 2024-2025 school year for three schools in Spring Lake (Spring Lake Middle, W.T. Brown Elementary and Manchester Elementary) due to staffing shortages in the Spring Lake Police Department. Spring Lake schools do not have Traffic Control Officers based on their location and traffic patterns
