School Protection Officers

In an emergency, every second counts. Access to immediate response is an important factor in ensuring safety. Over the last several years, we have expanded our School Resource Deputy/Officer program. However, many sites do not have a full-time SRD/SRO. School resource officers respond quickly to these buildings but may not immediately be on site when an issue arises. In the fall of 2022, NKC Schools explored several options that would allow for dedicated, full-time armed security at each and every school building. After a thorough review of many companies which could provide this service, the Board of Education began contracting with an outside agency to provide this support. 

Our current safety partner, Iron Horse Security, employs a full-time professional school protection officer to work at each of our buildings without a full-time SRD, including all elementary schools, sixth grade centers, the Early Education Center, Golden Oaks, the Jacobs Center, and the Northland Innovation Center. School Protection Officers are trained in active shooter preparedness, crisis response, emergency communication and de-escalation strategies. 

Protection officers serve at each school full-time to respond immediately in case of a serious incident. They provide a visible presence during arrival, dismissal, and in the office throughout the day. Additionally, school protection officers participate in school drills and emergency planning and regularly check doors and other security measures.