Sheriff Department teams to improve safety

District collaborates with Walla Walla County Sheriff Department to ensure safe and secure schools

The Walla Walla County Sheriff Department is participating in the National School Shield’s Security Assessor Training program in collaboration with Walla Walla Public Schools to improve school safety. The National School Shield^TMprogram was introduced in 2012 to focus on improving school security in an effort to help prevent tragedies at educational institutions in America.

Walla Walla County law enforcement officials, City of Walla Walla police officers, school security officers and other law enforcement officials from around the state will be participating in the Walla Walla training program May 22 through 26. The five-day training includes classroom instruction to review industry best practices on risk assessment and threats and on campus activities at Walla Walla High School. The training is designed to better prepare designated law enforcement officials to serve as school security assessors and assist in conducting school vulnerability assessments.

“This collaborative effort with local safety officials provides an opportunity for the district to receive a free comprehensive report to support facilities capital planning, and it enhances our collective work toward ensuring a safe and secure school environment,” said Superintendent Wade Smith. “The district takes its role of protecting and nurturing students seriously and this collaborative program will help ensure a safe learning environment free from violence, intimidation, threats, harassment and fear.”