SPECIAL EDITION
School Security Officer at Mount Holly Elementary School
Message from Rock Hill Schools
Dear Rock Hill Schools Elementary Families,
Superintendent Dr. Bill Cook has placed a priority on safety and security in our schools. As our district continues to evolve its safety and security program, we are excited to announce that we have contracted with Allied Universal Security to add a School Security Officer (SSO) to each of our 17 elementary schools and the Central Child Development Center. During the past school year, district administration held a series of safety and security-focused events to listen to parent and community feedback about safety needs in our schools. It became clear through the meetings that having an armed security officer on campus at our elementary schools was a priority. We are grateful to our Board of Trustees for supporting this effort through the district’s budget this year.
By the end of September all elementary schools will be staffed by a trained security officer. Much like School Resource Officers (SROs), the School Safety Officers serving our elementary schools will form relationships with students, employees and families to further ensure our campuses are safe and secure learning environments. The addition of the SSO on your child’s school campus does not replace the School Resource Officer who has previously been assigned to provide coverage from the nearest middle or high school campus. Each school will provide opportunities for the SSO to work alongside the guidance counselor to spend time in classrooms to acclimate students to the SSO, discuss the role of the SSO, and how the SSO is a part of the school community.
Some of the responsibilities for each officer include:
- Serve as a first responder to emergency incidents on school property. Coordinate with and assist law enforcement or other first responders upon their arrival.
- Patrol assigned buildings, parking lots, and grounds for illegal or suspicious activity or behavior, or dangerous situations, and respond appropriately within the authorities granted by law and District policy.
- Confront trespassers and unauthorized visitors to determine why they’re on campus and to prevent unlawful entry to campus.
- Check exterior and interior doors to ensure all doors are secured (lock and closed) and all door locks and card readers are operational and functioning properly.
- In coordination with school officials, assist with traffic control, traffic and pedestrian management, and parking before, during, and after school hours.
- Operate security systems, including video surveillance systems and two-way radios, to maximize security coverage and protection of the campus, and the peaceful conduct of school business.
- Document and report any evidence of criminal activity.
In the weeks ahead, school principals will provide opportunities for parents to meet the School Security Officer serving in your school. Should you have any questions or concerns about this program, please contact Director of Safety and Security Michael Johnson at 803-981-1176.
Mount Holly Elementary School's SSO....Derrick Crawford
Meet Mr. Derrick Crawford
My name is Derrick Crawford and I am the School Security Officer at Mount Holly Elementary School in Rock Hill, SC. With over 10 years in the private security/law enforcement industry, I’ve learned great tactics and self-awareness. I was born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina, along with five sisters and one brother. I am the youngest of my siblings. I played three years of varsity football at Rock Hill High School and graduated with the class of 2000. I also played 7 years of adult minor league football before stepping down in 2012. I’m now the head football coach of Ramah Juco Academy in Rock Hill, South Carolina. My beautiful wife and I are the proud parents of four children. I have a big heart and love helping my community.
SAVE the DATE: Coffee with Crawford
Also, Friday, September 27, 2019, Mr. Crawford will be in the cafeteria during your child's lunch for the Grandparents' Luncheon meeting and greeting parents and grandparents.
These are great opportunities for ALL Mustang Parents and Community to meet Mr. Crawford and get to know him better!