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Briarcliff Schools Examine Security Procedures

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. – The Briarcliff Manor School District asked for the village police department's help with security after the deadly school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

The Briarcliff Manor School District is re-evaluating its security procedures with results from an internal audit expected in March.

The Briarcliff Manor School District is re-evaluating its security procedures with results from an internal audit expected in March.

Photo Credit: Nathan Bruttell

The school district is undergoing an internal security audit, with results expected in mid-March and a committee set to release recommendations in the following weeks, school officials said. In the meantime, school officials said they are taking steps to improve security, including safety training seminars for the staff.

“They will be continuing in a series of different types of trainings every year,” Assistant Superintendent Stuart Mattey told the board at a recent meeting. The faculty and staff are receiving training regularly from the district’s safety consultant on “de-escalation standards and situational awareness,” he said. 

The Board of Education also approved a proposal from Briger Security Guard Services for as-needed security guards. The as-needed system allows the district to improve security while keeping costs at a minimum, Board Vice President Jennifer Rosen said.

“There is no retainer we’re paying them. So if we need them, we can hire them,” Rosen said. “And if we don’t, it’s not costing us anything.”

Board President Sal Maglietta touted the benefits. “It gives us great flexibility,” Maglietta said. “It’s a great way to go.”

The security officers would not be involved in indoor security procedures, but would likely guard the exterior of buildings during off hours, Mattey told the board.

“All of our school monitors we have now really understand our district and really know the students,” Mattey said. Several school monitors continue to monitor the inside of the buildings, he said. “The addition of the two new people will help foster those relationships. What I do see them as is night watchmen for off-hours based on recommendations from the audit.”

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