HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 8214 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8214
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October 12, 1999
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
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SUBJECT: EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR FORT WORTH SCHOOLS
BACKGROUND
We have recently received a number of inquiries about our ability to respond to catastrophic
events that could occur on school campuses in Fort Worth. Last spring, at the direction of Chief
Windham, the Special Investigations Division formed a committee to develop a Strategic Plan for
each high school and middle school in the City limits of Fort Worth. This includes schools from the
Fort Worth ISD, Keller ISD and Everman ISD. Assigned to the committee are members of the
School Security Initiative Unit, SWAT, Zero Tolerance, the Fort Worth Fire Department and the
Fort Worth ISD.
The Strategic Plan that was developed and is currently in place outlines an emergency
response to crises and catastrophic events, which may occur on school campuses. It is augmented
by current General Orders and Departmental policies. The plan includes a response packet specific
for each campus. Each packet contains floor plans of the school, aerial photographs and maps of
the surrounding neighborhood. The number of students, grades taught, school hours, and type of
structure is also contained in the packet plan.
The on-site administrator will be in charge until the Police respond, therefore, the FWISD
Crisis Action Plan has been included.
In addition, the SWAT Unit has conducted joint training with School Security Initiative and
Neighborhood Police Officers to review the SWAT response and possible containment actions to be
taken in the event of a catastrophe.
SUMMARY
Should an emergency occur at a school, the on-site administrator will make a quick
assessment of the situation and determine whether to evacuate or lock down the school. A person
will be delegated to call 911 and remain on the telephone to relay information to the responding
units. The NPOs and SSI Officers along with Patrol Officers will likely be the first responders and
will be met by a school representative. They too will assess the situation, make appropriate
notifications, establish a perimeter and determine if immediate entry is necessary. They will take
appropriate action to resolve the situation.
The SSI Officers have conducted security surveys of their assigned school and identified
safe locations in which to shelter students should it become necessary. Due to the numerous
possible scenarios, SWAT has determined that the best approach is one of preparedness,
communication and cooperation should a situation develop. Each situation and school is unique and
will be handled in the most appropriate fashion.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL. REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 8214
October 12, 1999
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 2 of 2
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR FORT WORTH SCHOOLS
If you have any questions please contact Assistant City Manager Libby Watson at 871-6183 or
Acting Police Chief Ralph Mendoza at 877-8207.
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS