Threats to School Safety Response Procedures

Transcription

1 Threats to School Safety Response Procedures THREAT RESPONSE SHELTER IN PLACE HOLD AND SECURE LOCKDOWN CONCEALED WEAPON BOMB THREAT APPENDIX

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3 Threats to School Safety Response Procedures Original Document 2006 Revised Edition 2010 Revised September 2012 The Safe Schools Department wishes to acknowledge those members of Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Community Mobilization Department of the Toronto Police Service whose expertise and collaboration contributed so greatly to the revision of this document. In particular, the leadership provided by Paul Crawford, Superintendent of Education, Mark Fenwick, Superintendent of Education, Patrick Keyes, Superintendent of Education, and Mary Jo Deighan is much appreciated. Safe Schools Department Writing Team Peter Barrans, Safe Schools Coordinator I Nadia Adragna, Safe Schools Coordinator II, TIPSS Program Bridget Vorps, Safe Schools Advisor Monica Zimmermann, Safe Schools Advisor Superintendent of Education, Safe Schools Department Rory McGuckin

4 TORONTO CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES Wards 1. Peter Jakovcic Ann Andrachuk, Chair Sal Piccininni, Vice-Chair Patrizia Bottoni Maria Rizzo Frank D Amico John Del Grande To Be Determined Jo-Ann Davis Barbara Poplawski Angela Kennedy Nancy Crawford Andrew Walker, Student Trustee Bruce Rodrigues, Director of Education Ann Andrachuk, Chair of the Board Revised September 2012 Toronto Catholic District School Board, Sheppard Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M2N 6E8 Phone:

5 Table of Contents 1. Introduction: Threats to School Safety Shelter in Place Procedures Hold and Secure Procedures Lockdown Procedures Concealed Weapon Procedures Bomb Threat Procedures Appendices: A - Administrator Checklists Shelter in Place...39 Hold and Secure...43 Lockdown...47 B - Staff Checklists Shelter in Place...53 Hold and Secure...55 Lockdown...57 C - Classroom Posters Shelter in Place...61 Hold and Secure...63 Lockdown...65 D - School Door Signage Shelter in Place Door Sign...67 Hold and Secure Door Sign...69 Lockdown Drill Door Sign...71 E - Emergency Contacts Emergency Call Sequence...73 Emergency Reporting Numbers...75 F - Sample: School Letter...77 G - Sample: Threats to School Safety Event & Drill Log...79

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7 Threats to School Safety Introduction The Toronto Catholic District School Board has a primary responsibility to ensure the safety of students and staff inside Board buildings and on Board property. Central policies and procedures provide direct support to school administrators in the management of a crisis situation. These supports have been developed through community consultation and through collaboration with the Toronto Police Service. It is the responsibility of each school to develop local procedures specific to that school. This must include a process by which specialist and itinerant teachers, occasional staff, Special Services staff, facility workers and visitiors are informed of local considerations in the event of a threat to school safety (e.g., security protocols, access to secure areas, evacuation locations, etc.). The following reference is intended to assist you in the first hours when a threat to school safety occurs in or near your school. INTRODUCTION Shelter in Place Possible Environmental Danger in the School Neighbourhood Hold and Secure Possible Danger in the School Neighbourhood Lockdown Danger on the School Site Concealed Weapon Presence of Weapons Bomb Threat 1

8 Toronto Catholic District School Board EMERGENCY Reporting Numbers INTRODUCTION CEC: Communications: Ext Superintendents: Ext or 2190 Director s Office: Ext Note: If call is not answered, please dial the other available extensions. Emergencies Outside of Regular School/Office Hours: Security Monitoring Station (24/7) CEC Security Reportable incidents include but are not limited to: safety concerns pertaining to any student or staff (e.g., missing student) urgent police activity in and outside the school emergency services called to the school or at the school media presence at the school incidents requiring the support of resources from the Board or outside agencies Please have this information available in the main office. 2

9 Important Considerations When Responding to a Threat to School Safety 1. A response may be influenced by one s proximity to the event. For example: whether one is personally involved in the incident whether one is near the incident scene, but not directly involved whether one is away from the school at another location 2. The ability to gauge the reliability of the information received about a threat can have a significant impact on the outcome. the initial information received about a crisis often contains erroneous assumptions and misinformation the process by which one investigates, interprets and responds to a crisis is critical to the outcome speculation and rumours will travel quickly and may obscure the facts firsthand observations may be strongly affected by the nature of the incident INTRODUCTION personal emotional and physical reactions may affect one s decision-making abilities it is often difficult to obtain accurate information from someone who has experienced a traumatic event A true and accurate fact pattern takes time to emerge. It will be necessary to continually evaluate the situation and to revise your responses. 3

10 Initiation, Lifting and Follow-up to Threat Responses Initiating a Threat Response INTRODUCTION Once the Principal has determined the nature of the threat, it is important to initiate the appropriate threat response procedure in accordance with the guidelines outlined herein. Due to the rapid progression of events in a threat to school safety situation, it may be necessary for the Principal to delegate responsibilities. This underscores the need for preparedness through proactive planning and practice in order to achieve an efficient and effective response. When it is possible and safe to do so, unfolding events should be documented. Lifting the Threat Response Once school officials receive word from Police or Emergency Services that the danger has passed, the threat response will be lifted. Staff must be aware that direction to lift a threat response will only be issued by school administration or emergency personnel. Follow-Up to a Threat Response The Principal must communicate to Board officials and the school community both the details of the threat and the effectiveness of the school response. The Communications Department, in consultation with the school, will draft any written communication that is to be distributed to the school community. Specific recommendations are included in the outline of each procedure. The Crisis Response Team is also available to assist the school community. 4

11 Preparing the Response When confronted with a threat to school safety, there are some broad questions to consider that will inform subsequent actions. These will clarify needs and priorities and help to prepare the appropriate responses. 1. What is the nature of the threat? 2. What is the potential for escalation and/or heightened risk? the first priority is to minimize the ongoing danger and to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the school maintaining a state of deliberate calm within the school is paramount at this time Are emergency services required? Is there a need to provide direction or ensure access for emergency vehicles? Is there information about the crisis that requires further verification and assessment? the ability to listen carefully as information comes in is critical INTRODUCTION the response will require decisiveness, flexibility and effective communication all of those directly involved should be interviewed 6. Is the area secured for purposes of safety and evidence gathering? the situation should be de-escalated if possible personnel should be assigned to supervise the secured area as needed 5

12 What immediate legal or regulatory compliance issues should be addressed? the Superintendent and Communications Department should be contacted for information and assistance What personnel need to be contacted immediately? TCDSB Communication Plan should be followed (see below) Has an alternate evacuation site been determined and communicated to the Board and the school community? INTRODUCTION 10. Have parents been informed that a staging area may be established by Police in order to provide updates and direction? Communication Plan During a threat to school safety, it is the Principal s responsibility to inform all relevant groups according to the TCDSB notification process. This task may need to be delegated. 1. Inform Superintendent a) b) This is the first contact after emergency services have been notified. The Superintendent will then inform: Director of Education Communications Department Transportation Department Local trustee Chair of the Board 6

13 2. Inform Parents a) Post signs on doors and windows, except during a Lockdown response. See Appendix D. 3. b) c) d) e) Prepare a message for the school answering system. The Communications Department will assist in developing this message. Note: does not apply in a Lockdown response. The Communications Department will endeavour to notify parents, however, certain situations may preclude this possibility. Remind parents that access to the school/students and the use of cell phones to call students is not permitted during periods of threat to school safety. Suggest that parents keep informed through media reports. In certain situations, a parent staging area will be established by police personnel in order to provide information updates and direction. Inform Communications Department a) Provide the details of the threat to school safety. b) Include school name and address, number of staff and students, Principal s contact information. When The Media Request Information: INTRODUCTION Call TCDSB Communication, Public and Media Relations Department for direction. Remind staff that only authorized TCDSB personnel should speak to the media. Direct all calls from the media to TCDSB Communications, Public and Media Relations Department at , ext Do not allow the media to film or speak with students without parental permission. 7

14 Coordinating School Threat Response between TPS and TCDSB Schools in the event of Shelter in Place, Hold and Secure, and Lockdown INTRODUCTION SITUATION A When Police initiate the Threat Response: Police contact or attend a school and advise the Principal of incident. Police will give suspect description(s) and updates whenever possible. Principal decides to initiate a Threat Response: Determine type: 1. Shelter in Place - Possible environmental danger in the neighbourhood 2. Hold and Secure - Possible danger in the school neighbourhood 3. Lockdown - Danger on the school site Initiate School Threat Response Plan 1 Principal contacts Police to advise of Threat Response status: Lockdown Hold and Secure a The Principal will contact necessary Board personnel as per Board procedures. 3 If the Principal requires an update: Command Post: Officer in Charge (OIC) will provide a phone # If no Command Post: ##01 2b Principal may advise other schools in the immediate vicinity of the Hold and Secure response if it is appropriate. (Principals in these schools make their own decisions regarding threat response. If they decide to initiate a threat response, they will call and this school will be added to the text of the call.) 4 SITUATION B When a Principal initiates the Threat Response: School staff is aware of a situation occurring in the school or neighbourhood. Be prepared to provide any of the following information if appropriate and available: Is an ambulance required? If so, the extent of injuries Exact location and number of the subject(s) Description of the weapon, whether shots have been fired Whether there are any hostages Description of the hostage(s), possible relationship to the subject(s) Description of the subject(s) including direction of travel Description of vehicle(s) if applicable, including direction of travel Safest approach route for emergency personnel Staging area location Your name, exact location, telephone number, cell phone number, or best method of continuous communication Location of students, any diverted students? Status of doors locked? open? Any other school specific information (cameras, intercom, doors to use) When the Incident is over: Police Dispatcher assigns an officer to update each school listed on the call event as to the incident status and resolution. Whenever possible, the officer will visit the first school involved. Relevant procedures take effect, i.e. Crime Scene Management, Investigation, Police School Protocol, Debrief, Emergency Response/Crisis Team, etc. Schools will inform the appropriate Board personnel and follow up as required. School Board will send system-wide or community communication as needed. 5 8

15 Shelter in Place Possible Environmental Danger in the Neighbourhood A Shelter in Place response is initiated in heightened risk situations. Heightened Risk is defined as an external environmental threat in the area of the school. Examples could include: a chemical spill or gas leak in the neighbourhood the presence of smoke or fire in the vicinity extreme weather conditions These incidents require prudent action but do not require the implementation of Hold and Secure or Lockdown procedures. In most instances, the school will be contacted by the Toronto Police Service or other agencies having jurisdiction over the incident. They are responsible for managing the crisis and will recommend that the school initiate a Shelter in Place response. In the event the school receives information of a serious nature from other sources, the Principal should call to determine whether the school falls within the parameters of the Shelter in Place response. SHELTER IN PLACE PROCEDURES 9

16 Shelter in Place Procedures When the Principal or designate determines that a Shelter in Place response is necessary, these procedures should be followed: SHELTER IN PLACE PROCEDURES Communication 1. Ring school bell - 3 sets of 3 rings Make a P.A. announcement stating: Our school is initiating a Shelter in Place response. Staff and students are to respond accordingly. Inform all occupants, tenants and visitors (permit holders, daycare centres, etc.) that a Shelter in Place response has been initiated. 4. Call 911 if necessary. Typically, this will not be necessary, as the Shelter in Place response is initiated by Police/Emergency Services Ensure that both a telephone line and a cell phone connection are kept open for incoming communication from Police, Board personnel, etc. Contact the school Superintendent and TCDSB Communications Department. 7. Contact TCDSB Transportation Department to advise of the Shelter in Place response. 8. Prepare a message for the school answering system indicating that a Shelter in Place response is in effect at the school. 10

17 Securing the School Buildings 9. When applicable, ensure that air exchange systems (fans, exhausts and air conditioners, etc.) are turned off Students/staff outside school buildings and portables should proceed indoors promptly. Exterior doors should be secured and monitored by staff to permit entry of persons and to prohibit anyone from leaving. 12. Shelter in Place signs are posted on exterior doors. 13. Windows and window coverings are closed. Securing Persons 14. Attendance should be taken in each room, noting those who are absent. This includes all classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, hallways, libraries, offices, etc. 15. Non-teaching staff should report to a previously designated location (Main Office, library, etc.). 16. Adults should remain calm and reassure students that the situation is under control. Students should be aware that the Shelter in Place response may be in effect for an extensive period of time. 17. Cell phones and electronic devices should be turned off. 18. No calls for information should be made to the office. Updates will be provided. 19. Normal operations may continue inside the school, however, all outdoor activities are cancelled. SHELTER IN PLACE PROCEDURES 11

18 Lifting the Shelter in Place Response When the Principal receives information from Police or other Emergency Services that the Shelter in Place response may be lifted (i.e., the danger has passed), these procedures should be followed: SHELTER IN PLACE PROCEDURES 1. Ring the school bell - 3 sets of 3 rings Make a P.A. announcement stating: The Shelter in Place response has been lifted. Communicate specific instructions as required, e. g., revised bus schedules, dismissal procedures, etc. Please note: If the Principal has invoked the Shelter in Place response independent of Police or other Emergency Services, it is the responsibility of the Principal to confirm with the local Police Division that the Shelter in Place response may be lifted. Follow-Up 1. In consultation with the TCDSB Communications Department: update the school answering system message prepare a scripted response to be given to callers amend auto-attendant message if needed prepare a letter for the school community to communicate the details of the incident and response 2. Schedule a meeting with staff to debrief the incident and response. 12

19 Shelter in Place Response School Bus Considerations Notify the TCDSB Transportation Department that a Shelter in Place response has been initiated at your school. The Transportation Department will provide direction. School Bus Arrivals If buses are arriving at the school: designate the safest access to the building as the drop-off point, i.e., entry furthest from the danger have staff escort students from the bus to the school/portables If buses are redirected to an alternate drop-off site: use Bus Lists to record the names of students who have been relocated notify parents/caregivers to collect students at the alternate site School Bus Departures 1. If students can be safely dismissed from the school: 2. have staff escort students to buses using the exit furthest from danger use Bus Lists to record the names of students who are placed on buses have staff remain on site until all students have departed by bus or have been collected by parents If students cannot be safely dismissed from the school: retain students pending instructions from Police and Emergency Services, Superintendent, Communications Department and Transportation Department SHELTER IN PLACE PROCEDURES 13

20 School Buses in Transit If a school bus approaches a designated drop-off site where: a) Emergency Services are restricting access, or SHELTER IN PLACE PROCEDURES b) the Transportation Department has advised the driver of an emergency situation, the driver will follow established TCDSB Transportation protocols. 14

21 Hold and Secure Possible Danger in the Neighbourhood A Hold and Secure response is initiated when the threat is proximate to, but not inside the building. It poses no immediate danger to students or staff unless they leave the building. Examples could include: police activity on the school grounds a crime in progress police searching for an offender in the neighbourhood In most instances, the school will be contacted by the Toronto Police Service or other agencies having jurisdiction over the incident. They are responsible for managing the crisis and will recommend that the school initiate a Hold and Secure response. In the event the school receives information of a serious nature from other reliable sources, the Principal will consider whether a Hold and Secure response is necessary and will: call 911 if the information received indicates the potential for immediate impact on the school call the local police division ( ##00*) to determine whether the school falls within the parameters of the Hold and Secure response HOLD AND SECURE PROCEDURES * ## refers to your local police division number 15

22 Hold and Secure Procedures When the Principal/designate determines that a Hold and Secure response is necessary, these procedures should be followed: HOLD AND SECURE PROCEDURES Communication 1. Ring school bell - 3 sets of 3 rings Make a P.A. announcement stating: Our school is initiating a Hold and Secure response. Staff and students are to respond accordingly. Inform all occupants, tenants and visitors (permit holders, daycare centres, etc.) that a Hold and Secure response has been initiated. Ensure that both a telephone line and a cell phone connection are kept open for incoming communication from Police, Board personnel, etc. Contact your Superintendent and TCDSB Communications Department. 6. Contact TCDSB Transportation Department to advise of the Hold and Secure response. Prepare a message for the school answering system indicating that a 7. Hold and Secure response is in effect at the school. 16

23 Securing the School Buildings Persons outside school buildings and portables must proceed indoors promptly. Students and staff who are some distance from school buildings may assemble at the school s emergency evacuation location, pending further instruction. Exterior doors should be locked and monitored by staff to permit entry of staff/students and to prohibit anyone from leaving. 10. Hold and Secure signs are posted on exterior doors. 11. Windows and window coverings should be closed. 12. Lights may be left on unless otherwise advised. Securing Persons 13. Students/staff should move as far as possible from doors and windows. 14. Attendance should be taken in each room (including all classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, hallways, libraries, offices, etc.), noting those who are absent or unaccounted for. This information should be reported when requested. 15. Unless otherwise advised, most school activities can continue during a Hold and Secure response. There should not, however, be any movement outside school buildings and portables. 16. Adults should remain calm and reassure students that the situation is under control. Students should be aware that the Hold and Secure response may be in effect for an extensive period of time. HOLD AND SECURE PROCEDURES 17. Cell phones and electronic devices should be turned off. 18. No calls for information should be made to the office. Updates will be provided. 17

24 Lifting the Hold and Secure Response When the Principal receives information from Police or Emergency Services that the Hold and Secure response may be lifted (i.e., the danger has passed), these procedures should be followed: HOLD AND SECURE PROCEDURES 1. Ring school bell - 3 sets of 3 rings Make a P.A. announcement stating: The Hold and Secure response has been lifted. Unlock doors/windows and resume normal routines. Communicate specific instructions as required, e.g., revised bus schedules, dismissal procedures, etc. Please note: If the Principal has invoked the Hold and Secure response independent of Police or Emergency Services, it is the responsibility of the Principal to consult with the local Police Division to ensure that the danger has passed. Follow-Up 1. In consultation with the TCDSB Communications Department: update the school answering system message prepare a scripted response to be given to callers amend auto-attendant message if needed prepare a letter for the school community to communicate the details of the incident and response 2. Schedule a meeting with staff to debrief the incident and response 18

25 Hold and Secure Response School Bus Considerations Notify the TCDSB Transportation Department that a Hold and Secure response has been initiated at your school. The Transportation Department will provide direction. School Bus Arrivals 1. If buses are arriving at the school: redirect to an alternate drop-off site use Bus Lists to record the names of students who have been relocated if necessary, notify parents/caregivers to collect students at the alternate site School Bus Departures 1. If students can be safely dismissed from the school: have staff escort students to buses using the most secure exit use Bus Lists to record the names of students who are placed on buses have staff remain on site until all students have departed by bus or have been collected by parents 2. If students cannot be safely dismissed from the school: retain students pending instructions from Police and Emergency Services, Superintendent, Communications Department and Transportation Department HOLD AND SECURE PROCEDURES 19

26 School Buses in Transit If a school bus approaches a designated drop-off site where: a) Emergency Services are restricting access, or HOLD AND SECURE PROCEDURES b) the Transportation Department has advised the driver of an emergency situation, the driver will follow established TCDSB Transportation protocols. 20

27 Lockdown Danger on the School Site A Lockdown response is initiated when imminent danger is present on the school site and the safety of students and staff is threatened. For example: an active attacker is in the building or on school property/grounds When the school receives reliable information that danger is present at the school site, the Principal will determine whether a Lockdown response is necessary. If so, the following should occur as quickly as possible: 1. Initiate Lockdown response. 2. Call 911 to communicate: the nature of the incident that has made a Lockdown response necessary school cell phone number for police use, if requested LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES 21

28 Initiating a Lockdown Response Communication 1. Ring school bell - 3 sets of 3 rings. LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES Make a P.A. announcement stating: Our school is initiating a Lockdown response. Staff and students are to respond accordingly. Inform all occupants, tenants and visitors (permit holders, daycare centres, etc.) that a Lockdown response has been initiated. Ensure that exterior doors remain unlocked to allow access for Emergency personnel. Once Emergency Services arrive, police personnel will create a Parent Staging Area where communication will be provided to the school community. Once a Lockdown has been initiated, the school becomes an emergency site under the authority of the Toronto Police Service. Securing Persons Given the unique, and possibly rapidly changing dynamic of a Lockdown situation, consideration must always be given to evacuating the site or to relocating to another area in the building should a space become unsafe. Individual discretion must be used to determine the best course of action. 6. Students and staff outside school buildings and portables should move away from the buildings as quickly as possible, assemble at the school s emergency evacuation location and remain there until further instructions are received. 7. Students/staff in classrooms, offices, portables, cafeteria, library, gym, etc., should close doors and lock if possible. 22

29 8. 9. Students/staff in transition should enter the nearest room, close the door and lock if possible. Windows and window coverings should be closed. 10. Interior glass panes should be covered wherever possible. 11. Lights must be turned off. 12. Students/staff must move as far as possible from doors and windows. It may be necessary to use school furnishings to secure a room or to provide shelter. 13. All cell phones, electronic devices, televisions, radios and computers must be turned off. 14. Students/staff must remain silent. 15. Students/staff should lie on the floor if gunshots are heard. 16. Adults should remain calm and reassuring. Students should be aware that the Lockdown response may be in effect for an extensive period of time. 17. Students/staff are to remain in secured rooms until further instructions are received. Under no circumstances should anyone leave a secured area to access washrooms, lockers, etc. 18. Discretion must be used to determine whether anyone should be allowed access once a space has been secured. 19. No calls should be made to the office. Be aware that active attackers may use the P.A. system to access potential victims. 20. In the event that an individual has information that may aid the police response, e.g., the location of an active attacker, a direct call to 911 should be made using a cell phone. This must be done as quietly as possible. 21. If possible and safe to do so, attendance should be taken when the Lockdown has been lifted. LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES NOTE: Should a fire alarm sound during a threat response, ensure that an evacuation is actually necessary due to a fire. Active attackers may set a fire or activate the fire alarm as a ruse to access possible victims. Individual discretion must be used to determine the actuality of a fire and the degree of risk associated with leaving a secured area. 23

30 Lifting the Lockdown Response Only police personnel determine when the incident is controlled and the danger has passed. No individuals or groups can be released from a secured area until authorized by a police officer. LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES The principal and police personnel will determine any necessary instructions as required, e.g., revised bus schedules, dismissal procedures, etc. Please note: only authorized TCDSB personnel should speak to the media TCDSB students should not be interviewed or photographed without parental permission Follow-Up 1. In consultation with the TCDSB Communications Department: update the school answering system message prepare a scripted response to be given to callers amend auto-attendant message if needed prepare a letter for the school community to communicate the details of the incident and response prepare a media information release Schedule a meeting with staff to debrief the incident and response. Arrange for TCDSB Crisis Response Team to provide support as needed. 24

31 Lockdown Response School Bus Considerations TCDSB Communications Department will inform the Transportation Department that a Lockdown response has been initiated at the school. The Transportation Department will provide direction to their drivers. If a school bus approaches a designated drop-off site where: a) Emergency Services are restricting access, or b) the Transportation Department has advised the driver of an emergency situation, the driver will follow established TCDSB Transportation protocols. School Bus Departures 1. When students can be safely dismissed from the school after a Lockdown response: follow instructions from Police and Emergency Services, Superintendent, Communications Department and Transportation Department staff should remain on site until all students have departed by bus or have been collected by parents LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES 25

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33 The responses outlined do not apply if a student is threatening or assaulting a person with a weapon. Situations involving a weapon are always dynamic and the safety of students and staff should be the first consideration. When a report of a person carrying a concealed weapon in a school is received, the following steps may assist school staff and police to determine the most appropriate response: 1. Concealed Weapon School Staff or Police Receive Information About a Student Carrying a Concealed Weapon Gather Information a) Determine the validity of the information: was the weapon displayed by the student or is the claim verbal? is the information second/third hand? is the source reliable? b) Obtain as much detail about the student and weapon as possible: location of weapon, e.g., locker, knapsack, pocket, waistband, socks, etc. a detailed description of the weapon specific nature of any threat(s) made and who/what was the target(s) of the threat(s) a detailed description of the student(s) e.g., appearance, clothing, emotional state, etc. current location of student and where he/she might be when the police arrive number of staff and other students in the vicinity CONCEALED WEAPON PROCEDURES 27

34 2. Contact Police CONCEALED WEAPON PROCEDURES The police should be contacted when the Principal or designate determines, based on the balance of probability and the reliability of the source, that the information is valid. Depending on the situation, the Principal will call the police emergency number (911), the police non-emergency number ( ), the School Resource Officer, or other officer(s) assigned to the school. 3. Determine Appropriate Response Police and the Principal should discuss the most appropriate method and location for dealing with a student carrying a concealed weapon. Factors to consider: type of weapon past conduct of the student emotional/developmental/behavioural issues related to the student location of the student location of the weapon To manage the situation, the Principal may consider enlisting the help of a staff member who has a positive relationship with the student. The presence of the staff member may lessen the possibility of a violent reaction or an attempt to flee on a part of the student when approached by the police. It is important to ensure that the staff member is comfortable approaching the student and/or assisting the police. 28

35 Police will quickly take control of the student and his/her property and conduct a search for the weapon. The nature of the search will be a pat down rather than a strip search, so a completely private area is not required. However, for safety reasons, the location used should be as free of staff and students as possible. Regardless of the outcome of the search of the student, the student s locker should also be searched. Searches of any nature should always be conducted in the presence of more than one adult. Non-Students If the suspect is not a student and is on school property, the suspect should be approached by the police. Police may discuss their response with the Principal, however, non-students often pose a significant threat to school safety and a fast and effective response will be the priority. CONCEALED WEAPON PROCEDURES 29

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37 Bomb Threat Possible Presence of a Bomb on School Property A Bomb Threat response is initiated when: a report of the presence of a bomb is received from an outside source a report of the presence of a bomb is received by a staff member or student a suspicious package, item or something out of the ordinary is found or is reported to school personnel This information could be received in written or verbal form. Please refer to TCDSB Policy Register under Violence Prevention. An electronic link and an excerpt are provided below for your reference. A bomb threat procedure will be established for every Toronto Catholic District School Board school and work place location. All personnel involved in responding to such incidents will be thoroughly familiar with the appropriate regulations and procedures. In school locations, the principal is designated to carry out these responsibilities. In each of the other Toronto Catholic District School Board workplace designations, the building manager, or equivalent, will be responsible for implementing such procedures. BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES 31

38 Bomb Threats a) General preparatory requirements for Bomb Threats: BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES i) Each principal/building manager, in cooperation with staff, will prepare a bomb threat response plan which is based on this policy, but reflects the unique needs of that building (i.e. size, location, number of floors, staff available, etc.). This may be similar to the variations that schools have developed for fire emergency procedures. ii) A pre-arranged signal or code should be established to convey the fact that there has been a bomb threat so that search procedures can be initiated. Staff should have a code by which they can signal the completion of the search of their designated area. iii) All staff shall be informed of the procedures to be followed in the event of a bomb threat and procedures will be rehearsed and reviewed at least annually thereafter. iv) Each person involved in implementing bomb threat procedures should have a copy of the response plan for that building (i.e. principal, secretary, clerical staff, head caretaker, etc.). v) The decision to evacuate a school or workplace location will be the responsibility of the principal/building manager and must only be taken after consideration of the circumstances surrounding the threat. vi) In the event that evacuation is required, the procedures used in fire emergency drills should be employed to vacate the building in an orderly and efficient manner. vii) In the event of a bomb threat during permit use and outside the regular school hours or office hours, the caretaker on duty in the building shall: 1) follow the procedures as detailed in this policy; 2) report immediately to the Manager of Plant Maintenance for the school; and 3) after consulting with the police, clear the building of all people, if required. 32

39 b) Initial response to a bomb threat: i) When the bomb threat is by telephone call, the recipient should obtain as much information as possible using the bomb threat report form as a guide. This guide should be kept conveniently close to the telephone. ii) If possible, a second person should call the police on another line (telephone 911) while the first keeps the caller engaged. This may enable the call to be traced. iii) In any event, responsibility for informing the Toronto Police Service at 911 rests with the principal/building manager during working hours, the caretaker when on duty after school hours, and the permit supervisor during a permit time. c) The search procedure to be followed: i) The principal will initiate a search immediately according to the bomb threat response plan, soliciting the cooperation of teaching, clerical and custodial staff in searching classrooms or other instructional areas, offices, lobbies, stairwells, washrooms, etc. ii) The following guidelines should be adhered to in conducting the search: 1) The principal alerts the staff required to participate in the search. A pre-arranged signal or code is recommended, such as a P.A. announcement. 2) If supply (occasional) teachers are in the school, they will have to be informed quietly by some other method if they are unaware of the code. 3) Do not alarm students. In order to prevent panic, staff must not inform them of the bomb threat. 4) Teachers and other key personnel familiar with an area (i.e. classroom) should immediately, but unobtrusively, carry out the search and should focus upon locating an unexplained object in an unusual place. BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES 33

40 BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES 5) Special attention should be given to areas to which the general public has easy access such as lobbies, washrooms, stairways, halls, etc. 6) The outside of the building and the parking lot must be included in the search plans. 7) Search areas should be small enough so that the search can be conducted in 15 to 20 minutes or less. 8) Do not stop the search if a suspected object is found, but continue to ascertain that the other areas are clear. 9) All findings, including negative reports, should be relayed to the principal as soon as possible. 10) If an unidentified package or object is found, DO NOT TOUCH IT. The decision to evacuate may only be made by the principal after consideration of the circumstances surrounding the threat. Note: It is recommended by the police that no evacuation occur unless something of an unidentifi ed nature is found. iii) For locations other than schools, the search procedures should parallel those described above, but will be initiated by the building manager and will be modified to suit the local situation. d) Action to be taken if an unidentified object or package is found: i) If a suspected object or package is found, the finder must not move or handle it. ii) The principal must immediately be notified of the following: 1) location of the object; 2) reasons for being suspected; 3) description of the object; and 4) any other useful information. 34

41 iii) If the police have not yet arrived, the principal will call 911 again to inform them that an unidentified object has been found, including the information in Regulation 2.d)ii) above. iv) While awaiting the arrival of the Explosives Unit, the principal should: 1) Establish perimeter control of the area to ensure that no one approaches or attempts to move the object; 2) Endeavour to establish ownership of the object as there have been instances where property has been left behind by innocent people prior to the bomb threat being received; 3) Determine the most direct route to the object; and 4) Detail someone familiar with the building and area where the object is located to meet Explosive Unit personnel on their arrival and direct them to the suspected object. e) Evacuation procedures to be followed: i) Should an unidentified object be found, then a quiet and systematic evacuation from the area should be conducted. AVOID PANIC. Never tell anyone that there is a bomb in the building. ii) Ensure that access/exit routes have been searched prior to any evacuation and that people are detailed to direct students along these safe access/exit routes. iii) Use fire emergency procedures to effect a safe and orderly evacuation. iv) Ensure that the evacuation provides a separation of at least 100 meters in all directions from the unidentified object. v) Under no circumstances should elevators be used. Special provision will have to be made for the evacuation of handicapped individuals. vi) Once evacuation is completed, the principal/ building manager must be so notified. vii) Students and/or employees shall return to the building only on the direction of the principal/building manager. viii) When a school is under permit, the permit supervisor on duty, who is usually a caretaker, will be responsible for the above procedures. BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES 35

42 f) Follow-up procedures: i) For bomb threats in schools during school hours, in addition to notifying the police, the principal must notify the Manager, Occupational Health and Safety. That department, in turn, will notify the Plant Manager, the Coordinator of Plant Operations, the appropriate Superintendent of Education and the Public Affairs Department. BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES ii) A Bomb Threat Report must be completed. One copy is retained at the school/workplace and the other copy is forwarded to the Manager, Occupational Health and Safety. iii) Communications with parents with respect to bomb threats will not normally be required except in response to a direct question or where, in the opinion of the principal, communication is needed to clarify erroneous rumour. BM p 194, 30 Mar

43 Sample of Bomb Threat Report BOMB THREAT PROCEDURES 37

44

45 When a Shelter in Place response is necessary, the Principal or designate will ensure that the following procedures are implemented: Communication 1. Ring the school bell - 3 sets of 3 rings Announce: Our school is going into a Shelter in Place response. Staff and students are to respond accordingly. Inform all occupants, tenants and visitors (permit holders, daycare centres, etc.) that a Shelter in Place response has been initiated. 4. Call 911, if necessary. Typically, this will not be necessary, as the Shelter in Place recommendation is usually initiated by Police/Emergency Services. 5. Contact Area Superintendent and TCDSB Communications Department. 6. Advise Transportation Department of the Shelter in Place response Shelter in Place Administrator Checklist Ensure that at least one telephone line and one cell phone connection are kept open for incoming communication from Police, Board personnel, etc. Prepare a message for the school answering system indicating that a Shelter in Place response is in effect at the school. APPENDIX A - ADMINISTRATOR CHECKLISTS 39

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47 Securing the School Buildings 9. Turn off air exchange systems (fans, exhausts and air conditioners, etc.) as required. 10. Students/staff outside the building enter school buildings and portables promptly. 11. Windows and window coverings are closed. 12. Staff members are assigned to secure and monitor exterior doors to allow for entry of students/staff. 13. Shelter in Place signs are posted on exterior doors. 14. Normal operations inside school buildings continue, however, all outdoor activities are cancelled. Securing Persons 15. Attendance is taken in each room, noting those who are absent. 16. Non-teaching staff report to a previously designated location (Main Office, Library, etc.). 17. Adults should remain calm and reassure students that the situation is under control. Students are aware that the Shelter in Place response may be in effect for an extensive period of time. 18. Cell phones and electronic devices are turned off. 19. No calls are made to the office for information. Updates are provided as required. When the Principal or designate receives information from Police or Emergency Services that the Shelter in Place response may be lifted (i.e., the danger has passed), these procedures should be followed: 1. Ring the school bell to signify end of Shelter in Place response 3 sets of 3 rings. 2. Announce: The Shelter in Place response has been lifted. APPENDIX A - ADMINISTRATOR CHECKLISTS 3. Communicate specific instructions as required. 41

48

49 When a Hold and Secure response is necessary, the Principal or designate will ensure that the following procedures are implemented: Communication 1. Ring the school bell - 3 sets of 3 rings Announce: Our school is initiating a Hold and Secure response. Staff and students are to respond accordingly. Inform all occupants, tenants and visitors (permit holders, daycare centres, etc.) that a Hold and Secure response has been initiated. Call 911 (not local police division) to communicate the nature of the incident that has made a Hold and Secure response necessary. In most instances, the school has been contacted by the Toronto Police Service or other agencies having jurisdiction over the incident. Contact Area Superintendent and TCDSB Communications Department. 6. Advise Transportation Department of the Hold and Secure response. 7. Hold and Secure Administrator Checklist Ensure that at least one telephone line and one cell phone connection are kept open for incoming communication from Police, Board personnel, etc. 8. Prepare a message for the school answering system indicating that a Hold and Secure response is in effect at the school. APPENDIX A - ADMINISTRATOR CHECKLISTS 43

50

51 Securing the School Buildings 9. Students and staff outside the building should return to the school or portables promptly. Students and staff who are far away from the building may assemble at the school s emergency evacuation site upon learning of the Hold and Secure situation at the school. 10. Hold and Secure signs are posted on exterior doors. 11. External doors are locked and monitored by staff members to allow for entry of staff/students. Securing Persons 12. Windows and window coverings are closed. 13. Most school activities can continue during a Hold and Secure response, however, there should be no movement to locations outside the school buildings. 14. Attendance is taken in each room, noting those who are absent or unaccounted for. This information should be reported when requested. 15. Adults should remain calm and reassure students that the situation is under control. Students are aware that the Hold and Secure response may be in effect for an extensive period of time. 16. Cell phones and electronic devices are turned off. 17. No calls for information are made to the office. Updates are provided as required. When the principal or designate determines or receives information from Police or Emergency Services that the Hold and Secure response may be lifted (i.e., the danger has passed), these procedures should be followed: 1. The school bell is rung to signify end of Hold and Secure response - 3 sets of 3 rings. 2. Announce: The Hold and Secure response has been lifted. APPENDIX A - ADMINISTRATOR CHECKLISTS 3. Communicate specific instructions as required. 45

52

53 When a Lockdown response is necessary, the Principal or designate will ensure the following procedures are implemented: Communication 1. Ring the school bell - 3 sets of 3 rings Lockdown Administrator Checklist Announce: Our school is initiating a Lockdown response. Staff and students are to respond accordingly. Inform all occupants, tenants and visitors (permit holders, daycare centres, etc.) that a Lockdown response has been initiated. Call 911(not local police division) to provide the following information: a. the nature of the incident that has made a Lockdown response necessary. b. a school cell phone number for police use. Once a Lockdown response has been initiated, the school becomes an emergency site under the authority of the Toronto Police Service. APPENDIX A - ADMINISTRATOR CHECKLISTS 47

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55 Securing Persons and School Buildings Students/staff outside the building should move away from the building as quickly as possible, assemble at the school s emergency evacuation site or another safe location and remain there until further instructions are received. Close and lock doors to classrooms, offices, portables, cafeteria, library, gym, etc. Students/staff in transition enter the nearest room, close the door and lock if possible. Close windows and window coverings. Cover interior glass panes wherever possible. Turn off lights. Move all persons as far as possible from doors and windows. Use school furnishings to further secure a room or to provide protection. Turn off all cell phones, electronic devices, televisions, radios and computers. 10. Maintain silence. 11. Direct everyone to lie on the floor if gunshots are heard. 12. Remain calm and reassuring. 13. Remind others that the Lockdown response may be in effect for an extensive period of time. 14. Remain in secured rooms. Under no circumstances should anyone leave a secured area to access washrooms, lockers, etc. 15. Consider evacuating the site or relocating to another area if a space becomes unsafe. APPENDIX A - ADMINISTRATOR CHECKLISTS 49