Maureen Feighan / The Detroit News
Locked doors. Surveillance cameras. Keyless entry systems. Two-way radios.
Sound like the county jail? Try many local school districts.
More than 10 years after the Columbine High School shootings outside Denver permanently shattered the sense of security at schools across the country, districts across Metro Detroit continue to take steps to bolster security on their campuses.
Oxford Community Schools plans to spend $1 million reconfiguring the front entrances of its seven schools so visitors are directly routed to the front office. Chippewa Valley Schools wants to install surveillance cameras at its middle and elementary schools if voters approve a bond proposal next month.
And the Berkley School District plans to rework the front entrances of its high school and elementary schools, many of which are more than 60 years old, relocating them closer to parking areas to boost security if voters approve a $168 million bond next month. District leaders say it's not that their schools or communities are unsafe, but they need to do everything they can to keep students as secure as possible.
"Security is here to stay," said Chippewa Valley Schools Superintendent Mark Deldin. "We have an obligation to our community to make sure we don't drop the ball on having a lax security plan. We live in a different world today."
But at least one national school safety expert said it's not enough to put surveillance cameras in schools and reconfigure entranceways. Staff training is critical and school policies on paper don't always match up to what's happening in reality, he said.
"The first and best line of defense is always a well-trained staff and student body," said Ken Trump, a Cleveland-based school security consultant who's worked in school safety for more than 25 years and performs assessments across the country.
New measures added
School-associated violent deaths among children 5-18 years old continue to be rare events across the country, according to a joint report by the National Center for Education Statistics and Bureau of Justice Statistics.
Forty-three school-associated violent deaths occurred during the 2007-2008 school year, the most recent year that data was available, down from 57 in 1992-1993, according to the report. School-associated violent deaths include homicides, suicides or any unintentional firearm-related deaths.
The study, released in December, also found that far more children are killed away from school property than on it. Nearly 1,750 students, ages 5 to 18, were killed in homicides during the 2006-2007 school year -- all but 30 of those occurred away from school.
Still, districts in Michigan have taken steps to make their schools more secure, said William Mayes, executive director of the Michigan Association of School Administrators. Schools have crisis intervention plans and districts often work closely with local police departments, he added.
"There is a great effort to make sure each and every student in the state of Michigan goes to school in a safe environment," he said.
Detroit Public Schools has some of the most extreme safety measures in place. Metal detectors and security guards are standard at district high schools. The district used to search students' clothing, backpacks and cars, but agreed to stop unless they had reasonable suspicion under a 2006 court order. The American Civil Liberties Union is now suing the district, alleging it violated that order at Mumford High School.
District officials, who couldn't be reached Thursday, have said they did increase security at Mumford because of ongoing problems there but denied they've conducted unconstitutional mass searches.
Entrances revised
And while metal detectors are less common in suburban districts, many are modifying school entrances to create "secured entryways." Parents and visitors can enter a front set of doors to get in the school's vestibule. There, they'll find a door to the front office because the doors to the actual school are locked.
Oxford decided to reconfigure its building entrances after former Fire Chief Jack LeRoy contacted the district two years ago to talk about security and a committee was formed with school administrators, police, fire and local leaders.
"As part of that, they did a walk through of all of our buildings, and we discovered our buildings were very vulnerable," said Jim Skilling, the Oxford Schools superintendent.
"In some cases, we don't even have visibility from the main office. Someone could come into our parking lot and we wouldn't know it ... We decided we needed to do something so someone would have to physically go into the office before entering the building."
Chippewa Valley Schools also has reworked its school entrances to guide visitors directly to the office, one of several new security measures over the last six years. The district also has completed the first phase of a swipe card access system at some of its schools.
And if voters approve an $89 million bond proposal next month, surveillance cameras -- roughly 600 are already in place at the district's two high schools and ninth-grade centers -- would also be installed at its four middle and 12 elementary schools.
Jerry Davisson, principal of Chippewa Valley High School, said he can't say enough about the surveillance cameras, which have been inside and outside the building since last March. He said they've cut down on bullying, vandalism, fighting, even theft.
"There's no way they're going to get away with stuff," Davisson said. "It's a deterrent more than anything."
Renee Jaczkowski of Clinton Township, the mother of fourth- and fifth-graders at Erie Elementary School, likes the new swipe card system there. And reconfiguring the school's entrance "was one of the best things that has happened to our school," she said, noting that the school is a polling place on election day and anyone could come in to vote.
"I do think you can never have too much security," said Jaczkowski, co-president of Erie's parent-teacher organization. "Is it absolutely necessary? I would hope that it wouldn't be. But in today's world, we want our kids to be safe."
Critics question extent
Still, is there such a thing as too much security? At least one school board member in Clinton Township thinks some measures go overboard, such as metal detectors.
"Obviously you want your kid to feel safe going to school," said Jason Davidson, president of the Clintondale School Board.
"(But) when you're talking about putting in metal detectors in (suburban districts), nobody wants to feel like they're going into a prison. Unfortunately things can happen anywhere. But at what point do you stop?"
mfeighan@detnews.com (586) 468-0520 From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100129/SCHOOLS/1290394/1026/local/Metro-Detroit-schools-step-up-security#ixzz0eONVoJeW
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Police warn community after string of break-ins
By Kate Jacobson (Last updated: 01/31/10 9:15pm)
A string of home invasions has put Meridian Township on the lookout for suspects.
Meridian Township police Sgt. Lana Howell said more than 20 home invasions have occurred in the past four months and each were done in a similar fashion. She said apartments in the area have been robbed after the suspects climb the balcony and enter through the sliding glass doors.
There are no suspects in connection with the break-ins.
Howell said home invasions are not a common crime in the area. The high volume of home invasions occurring in a similar fashion seems suspicious.
“It’s out of the ordinary that we are having this many in the area at one particular time,” she said.
The break-in suspects filled containers full of electronic equipment and exited through the front door, giving the appearance of someone moving out of the home. A vehicle would be waiting in the parking lot, where the suspects would load the electronics, Howell said.
One of the best ways to make sure items are secure in homes is to be familiar with the area and people around you, she said.
“We would ask (that) residents get to know their neighbors, so if someone does walk out of someone’s apartment with electronic equipment, they would know whether or not that is their neighbor,” she said.
East Lansing police Capt. Kim Johnson said although home invasion is not a big problem in East Lansing, it easily can be prevented by neighborhood watch.
“(The police) try to do our share, but we need help from the community too, because they know their neighborhoods better than we do,” Johnson said.
Simple things such as keeping an outdoor light on, locking all windows and doors and knowing your neighbors can protect your property when you are away, Johnson said.
Interdisciplinary studies in social science senior Eric Hughes said he always locks up whenever he leaves his apartment.
“The management sent a letter out in October that said apartments had been getting broken into,” he said. “I always keep my door locked.”
MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said people can initiate neighborhood watch- type systems even in residence halls.
“People can do that on their floor, and they should be looking out for one another,” she said.
Comparative cultures and politics sophomore Laura Klinger said she feels safe in Case Hall, where she lives. However, every time she hears about break-ins, it makes her more conscious.
“East Lansing seems so safe,” she said. “It’s crazy and jarring when that happens because I feel like it’s not a possibility most of the time.”
_Staff writer Ellen Mitchell contributed to this report. _
http://statenews.com/index.php/article/2010/01/police_warn_community_after_string_of_breakins
A string of home invasions has put Meridian Township on the lookout for suspects.
Meridian Township police Sgt. Lana Howell said more than 20 home invasions have occurred in the past four months and each were done in a similar fashion. She said apartments in the area have been robbed after the suspects climb the balcony and enter through the sliding glass doors.
There are no suspects in connection with the break-ins.
Howell said home invasions are not a common crime in the area. The high volume of home invasions occurring in a similar fashion seems suspicious.
“It’s out of the ordinary that we are having this many in the area at one particular time,” she said.
The break-in suspects filled containers full of electronic equipment and exited through the front door, giving the appearance of someone moving out of the home. A vehicle would be waiting in the parking lot, where the suspects would load the electronics, Howell said.
One of the best ways to make sure items are secure in homes is to be familiar with the area and people around you, she said.
“We would ask (that) residents get to know their neighbors, so if someone does walk out of someone’s apartment with electronic equipment, they would know whether or not that is their neighbor,” she said.
East Lansing police Capt. Kim Johnson said although home invasion is not a big problem in East Lansing, it easily can be prevented by neighborhood watch.
“(The police) try to do our share, but we need help from the community too, because they know their neighborhoods better than we do,” Johnson said.
Simple things such as keeping an outdoor light on, locking all windows and doors and knowing your neighbors can protect your property when you are away, Johnson said.
Interdisciplinary studies in social science senior Eric Hughes said he always locks up whenever he leaves his apartment.
“The management sent a letter out in October that said apartments had been getting broken into,” he said. “I always keep my door locked.”
MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said people can initiate neighborhood watch- type systems even in residence halls.
“People can do that on their floor, and they should be looking out for one another,” she said.
Comparative cultures and politics sophomore Laura Klinger said she feels safe in Case Hall, where she lives. However, every time she hears about break-ins, it makes her more conscious.
“East Lansing seems so safe,” she said. “It’s crazy and jarring when that happens because I feel like it’s not a possibility most of the time.”
_Staff writer Ellen Mitchell contributed to this report. _
http://statenews.com/index.php/article/2010/01/police_warn_community_after_string_of_breakins
Man Accused In Royal Oak Break-In
Royal Oak Woman Hides In Closet During Home Invasion
POSTED: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
UPDATED: 12:46 pm EST January 28, 2010
ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- One of six people accused of being involved in a Royal Oak home invasion earlier this week was arraigned Thursday on unarmed robbery and conspiracy charges.
Darius Lewis, 20, a college student from California, was arraigned in 44th District Court. His bond was set at $200,000.
Royal Oak police said a woman hid in a closet with her two young children early Monday morning as a group of men who allegedly followed her home from work kicked in her front door.
Royal Oak Police Lt. Gordon Young said the woman was walking home at about 3 a.m. Monday from her greeter job at the gentleman's club Cheetah's when she noticed a dark Impala following her.
When the woman approached her home on Dorchester Street, Young said she again noticed the car without its lights on.
Once inside her home, Young said the woman called 911 and woke up her two children, ages 6 and 7, and a 19-year-old baby-sitter.
“They’re coming in my house right now … they’re going to break in,” the woman can be heard telling a 911 dispatcher.
Young said while the four were hiding in closets and a bathtub, at least two men broke into the house and yelled "ATF police, get down!"
Officers from the Royal Oak Police Department arrived and questioned two people inside two cars that were parked outside the house.
During that time, the two men who had broken into the house fled, Young said.
None of the people inside the house were harmed.
A short time later, a K-9 dog found two loaded semi-automatic handguns, a 9 mm and .40-caliber, under a bush on a nearby street and police set up a perimeter of the area with undercover officers.
Young said that just after noon Monday, officers noticed a car with three black males and female driver go past the victim's house several times.
Young said officers observed a man looking around the bush where the handguns had been found and took him into custody.
Police said the handguns were determined to be stolen.
Police said the four people who were seen driving in the car were arrested, in addition to the two people they arrested outside the house.
Aside from Lewis, the other five suspects, who police said ranged in ages from 17 to 20 years old, were questioned and released. But police said they could be taken back into custody and charged.
Police said they are not sure why the victim was followed, and that she has since moved out of the house on Dorchester Street.
“This is a very serious case. There’s very few similar cases that we’ve experienced here in Royal Oak like this,” Young said.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22357046/detail.html
POSTED: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
UPDATED: 12:46 pm EST January 28, 2010
ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- One of six people accused of being involved in a Royal Oak home invasion earlier this week was arraigned Thursday on unarmed robbery and conspiracy charges.
Darius Lewis, 20, a college student from California, was arraigned in 44th District Court. His bond was set at $200,000.
Royal Oak police said a woman hid in a closet with her two young children early Monday morning as a group of men who allegedly followed her home from work kicked in her front door.
Royal Oak Police Lt. Gordon Young said the woman was walking home at about 3 a.m. Monday from her greeter job at the gentleman's club Cheetah's when she noticed a dark Impala following her.
When the woman approached her home on Dorchester Street, Young said she again noticed the car without its lights on.
Once inside her home, Young said the woman called 911 and woke up her two children, ages 6 and 7, and a 19-year-old baby-sitter.
“They’re coming in my house right now … they’re going to break in,” the woman can be heard telling a 911 dispatcher.
Young said while the four were hiding in closets and a bathtub, at least two men broke into the house and yelled "ATF police, get down!"
Officers from the Royal Oak Police Department arrived and questioned two people inside two cars that were parked outside the house.
During that time, the two men who had broken into the house fled, Young said.
None of the people inside the house were harmed.
A short time later, a K-9 dog found two loaded semi-automatic handguns, a 9 mm and .40-caliber, under a bush on a nearby street and police set up a perimeter of the area with undercover officers.
Young said that just after noon Monday, officers noticed a car with three black males and female driver go past the victim's house several times.
Young said officers observed a man looking around the bush where the handguns had been found and took him into custody.
Police said the handguns were determined to be stolen.
Police said the four people who were seen driving in the car were arrested, in addition to the two people they arrested outside the house.
Aside from Lewis, the other five suspects, who police said ranged in ages from 17 to 20 years old, were questioned and released. But police said they could be taken back into custody and charged.
Police said they are not sure why the victim was followed, and that she has since moved out of the house on Dorchester Street.
“This is a very serious case. There’s very few similar cases that we’ve experienced here in Royal Oak like this,” Young said.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22357046/detail.html
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Police investigate theft, break-ins
A Michigan State Police trooper is investigating whether a 24-year-old Pinckney man, arrested in connection to the theft of a bow and arrow, is also responsible for multiple break-ins that have occurred recently in Livingston County.
A Michigan State Police sergeant at the Brighton post said Tuesday that Trooper Rene Gonzalez, who is investigating, found the stolen bow and arrow at a local pawnshop.
Other recovered items, including tools, stolen from multiple break-ins have been linked to the suspect, police said.
Police said Gonzalez was dispatched Jan. 20 to the victim's home in the 4800 block of Bentley Lake Road in Marion Township for a report of a stolen bow and arrow valued at $500.
Additional details, including whether the suspect made statements to police, were not immediately available due to the ongoing investigation.
Officers from the Pinckney Police Department assisted the state police.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20100127/NEWS06/1270319/-1/LIFESTYLE02
A Michigan State Police sergeant at the Brighton post said Tuesday that Trooper Rene Gonzalez, who is investigating, found the stolen bow and arrow at a local pawnshop.
Other recovered items, including tools, stolen from multiple break-ins have been linked to the suspect, police said.
Police said Gonzalez was dispatched Jan. 20 to the victim's home in the 4800 block of Bentley Lake Road in Marion Township for a report of a stolen bow and arrow valued at $500.
Additional details, including whether the suspect made statements to police, were not immediately available due to the ongoing investigation.
Officers from the Pinckney Police Department assisted the state police.
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20100127/NEWS06/1270319/-1/LIFESTYLE02
Holland sees three break-ins in 24 hours
January 26, 2010 5:10 PM
HOLLAND, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Police in Holland say they are investigating three separate break-ins that took place in less than 24 hours.
The first report came in Monday when someone broke into a home on East 17th Street and took off with a Playstation and some games.
After clearing the scene, police went to another home on an unrelated matter, and found the stolen materials. They arrested a 20-year-old suspect.
The second incident was reported a few hours later on Hunter's Run. The resident there came home to find they were missing a computer, gaming station, and other items. The suspect in that case has not been located.
The third break-in was reported Tuesday morning on East 15th Street in which a bag of soda cans was taken from a back porch. A 44-year-old male was arrested in that incident.
Despite the arrests police say they are still investigating and are asking anyone with information to contact Silent Observer.
http://www.wwmt.com/articles/holland-1371834-style-ins.html
HOLLAND, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Police in Holland say they are investigating three separate break-ins that took place in less than 24 hours.
The first report came in Monday when someone broke into a home on East 17th Street and took off with a Playstation and some games.
After clearing the scene, police went to another home on an unrelated matter, and found the stolen materials. They arrested a 20-year-old suspect.
The second incident was reported a few hours later on Hunter's Run. The resident there came home to find they were missing a computer, gaming station, and other items. The suspect in that case has not been located.
The third break-in was reported Tuesday morning on East 15th Street in which a bag of soda cans was taken from a back porch. A 44-year-old male was arrested in that incident.
Despite the arrests police say they are still investigating and are asking anyone with information to contact Silent Observer.
http://www.wwmt.com/articles/holland-1371834-style-ins.html
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Rings, laptop stolen from Flint home after items were listed on eBay
By Laura Angus Flint Journal
January 26, 2010, 7:35AMFLINT, Michigan — A woman reported 150 rings and a laptop computer were stolen from her Campbell Street home between 6:20 p.m. Friday and 1 a.m. Saturday.The rings are valued at $3,600, according to police reports.There were no signs of forced entry, but the second floor of the home was ransacked, according to the report. The woman told police she had just listed the items on eBay and suspected the break in had something to do with that, according to the report.
January 26, 2010, 7:35AMFLINT, Michigan — A woman reported 150 rings and a laptop computer were stolen from her Campbell Street home between 6:20 p.m. Friday and 1 a.m. Saturday.The rings are valued at $3,600, according to police reports.There were no signs of forced entry, but the second floor of the home was ransacked, according to the report. The woman told police she had just listed the items on eBay and suspected the break in had something to do with that, according to the report.
Elderly woman sleeps as two men break in to her Flint home
By Laura Angus Flint Journal
January 26, 2010, 7:46AMFLINT, Michigan — An elderly, hearing impaired woman slept as two men forced their way into her home around 10:30 p.m. Sunday near Lynch Street and Missouri Avenue.A witness told police two men were found inside but were scared away, according to police reports. The suspects were last seen driving east on Illinois Avenue in a late-1990s model four door car.A window and front storm door were broken out and the front door was left open in the woman's home, according to the report.
January 26, 2010, 7:46AMFLINT, Michigan — An elderly, hearing impaired woman slept as two men forced their way into her home around 10:30 p.m. Sunday near Lynch Street and Missouri Avenue.A witness told police two men were found inside but were scared away, according to police reports. The suspects were last seen driving east on Illinois Avenue in a late-1990s model four door car.A window and front storm door were broken out and the front door was left open in the woman's home, according to the report.
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