Safety and Security

Welcome to Chesapeake Public Schools Department of School Safety and Security. Our department seeks to provide a safe and supportive learning environment and to promote a positive school climate. We foster collaborative relationships with first responders to enhance best practices for safety, crisis management, and unified responses throughout our district.

If you See Something Say Something logo from the Dept. of Homeland Security.

Report a Concern

We rely on our community members to report suspicious activity or behavior that could indicate potential threats or other criminal activity. Even if you think your observation is not important, it may be a piece of the larger puzzle and could potentially stop an actual or perceived threat. You can play an important role in maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment by reporting suspicious activity or behavior by using the following links-

Report Line

The CPS Report Line is a communication tool offered by the school district that allows students to communicate with school administrators anonymously.

Chesapeake Crime Line

The Chesapeake Crime Line is a tool to provide information directly to the police to help solve a crime or identify suspects.

Let's Talk

For non-emergencies, please reach out to us on Let's Talk where you can submit questions or concerns, track your inquiries, get quick answers, and rate our service.

Visiting A School Building

Chesapeake Public Schools is committed to the safety of all students and staff. The following safety efforts are in place at each of our schools to welcome visitors while prioritizing the safety of students and staff. For more information about our safety and security policies and procedures for visitors, please review our Student Handbook.

Photo of a fire lane penalty sign at Grassfield High School

No Parking in Fire Lanes

Each school campus has appropriate signage identifying parking spots reserved for visitors. Visitors and staff are prohibited from parking in areas marked as fire lanes at all buildings. Parking or standing vehicles may prevent the timely arrival of first responders to the scene of a police, medical, or fire emergency. Leaving a vehicle unattended in a fire lane may hamper emergency efforts. In addition, simply parking the vehicle in fire lanes is against the law and may result in a $250 fine.

Photo of the main entrance buzzer/intercom/camera security system.

Entry Systems Installed at All School Main Entrances

As a part of our school safety plan, developed in consultation with the local Police and Fire Departments, doors to all of our schools are locked during the instructional day. Our school entry systems include a buzzer, intercom, camera, and door latch release making it easy for school staff to identify visitors prior to their entry into a school building. Please be ready to show a government-issued picture ID when visiting a school building.

Photo of the main entrance buzzer/intercom/camera security system.

Visitor Check-in Process

We use Raptor Kiosks to streamline and control the visitor sign-in process while maintaining a high level of security. Upon entering the building, visitors report directly to the security desk where they must show a valid, government-issued ID. Our school security officers (SSO) will scan visitor's IDs, take their photo with the Raptor kiosk, and then issue visitors a temporary ID badge to complete the check-in process.

School Safety

To work towards our goal to provide a safe and supportive learning environment, we implement safety measures that include systemic protocols for maintaining security in all school buildings, employ school safety personnel, and equip classrooms with appropriate emergency supplies.

School Safety Taskforce (SSTF)

The was formed on March 12, 2018, after a joint meeting of the school district and city leaders. The taskforce was formed to address school safety issues, evaluate school safety protocols and practices, and determine additional measures that should be implemented throughout the school division to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Emergency Preparedness

Our number one priority is the safety and security of our students and employees. The safety efforts that are in place at each of our schools are developed in partnership with the Chesapeake Police and Fire Department. While it is important not to expose to the public every safety measure that is set in place, we feel it is important that you understand some of the relevant safety plans that are continually reviewed and updated throughout the school year.

For more information about our safety and security policies and procedures for emergency preparedness, please review our Student Handbook.

graphic shows a minimalist school with a lock to represent a school lockdown.

Lockdown Drills

Administrators will notify parents within 24 hours of a planned lockdown drill. Our schools conduct lockdown drills in accordance with state mandated intervals during both structured (classroom instruction) and unstructured times (lunch and hallway transition times). It is important that our students know where to go and what to do if any leveled lockdown is called at any time throughout their day.

graphic shows a minimalist shield with a flame to represent a fire safety

Fire Safety

The Chesapeake Fire Department routinely inspects our school buildings and offices to ensure that all buildings are in compliance with fire safety regulations.

In addition, our schools conduct fire drills in accordance with state mandated requirements. An informational poster is on display in each classroom identifying primary and secondary exits to ensure safe and swift evacuation of students and staff in the event of a fire emergency.

graphic shows a minimalist yellow triangle with an exclamation point to represent a school emergency.

Tornado Safety

Chesapeake Public Schools has developed a framework within each school through our crisis management plan to prepare for the threat of a tornado strike. Full details on our tornado response plan are outlined in our Student Handbook.

Tornado Bus Dismissal Delay Plan

In the event of a tornado watch, buses will depart from each school and continue to operate in a normal fashion. In the event of a tornado warning, buses will not be permitted to depart. Should a bus delay occur, parents will be notified via our PAS system.

Contact

School Safety and Security
School Administration Building
1421 Kristina Way,
Chesapeake, VA, 23320.

Phone: 757-546-3140

Assistant Director of School Safety and Security
Dr. Penny Schultz
Email Dr. Schultz

Community Contacts

Chesapeake Fire Prevention Office 
šŸ“ž757-382-6566

Chesapeake Police Departmentā€™s Crime Prevention Unit
šŸ“ž757-382-6223