Monday, January 9, is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Tyler ISD is proud to honor our District police officers who make our schools a safer and healthier place to learn, work, and play.
The district has expanded its police department and almost doubled in size to 29 officers by adding 11 new positions. The new officers bring law enforcement experience from larger agencies. The District is still looking to fill four new positions.
“As a dad of three children, the safety and security of all our children and staff keep me up at night,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “Along with providing the best education for all students, this is one of my top priorities for the district.”
Tyler ISD is well ahead of state and national efforts regarding the safety and security of students and staff. Several districts across the state have contacted Tyler ISD to learn more about the district’s efforts to meet today’s safety and security needs.
Tyler ISD is fortunate to have the third-largest law enforcement agency in Smith County, following the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Tyler Police Department. And just like the other two agencies, Tyler ISD Police has a K-9 program. All Tyler ISD police officers have completed the Active Shooter Response for School-Based Law Enforcement class, including training beyond the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center (ALERRT) program as a part of our current safety and security standards.
Jeff Millslagle, a retired Special Agent from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is the district’s Director of Safety and Security. Through a $300,000 School Safety and Security Grant, Tyler ISD purchased bullet-resistant film, two-way radios, cameras, and perimeter fencing. The district has hired two more retired FBI Special Agents to the Safety and Security Team.
“The district takes significant measures to keep safety measures ongoing and year-round,” Millslagle said. “Such as assessment of access control procedures, including single access points, visitor check-in procedures, and exterior access points.”
Plans for this year include hiring more law enforcement officers, warning systems on all exterior doors throughout the district, and adding more cameras, fencing, and security film at some facilities.
“School safety work is never done. I want to thank our police officers and safety and security staff for all they do to protect us on campus. We are committed to the ongoing effort to address issues that will keep our students and staff safe within our walls so we can focus on successful student outcomes,” Crawford said.
To highlight safety and security efforts or for more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.