71511: New security measures for student safety.

In light of the recent fight between a Samo student, and Samo teacher Mark Black, SMMUSD is adopting a new set of rules and operations, designed to further student safety.On a campus with 3,000 students, Samo administrators are highly concerned with safety, according to Samo Principal Eva Mayoral.“Our top priority at all times is safety,” Mayoral said. “Whether its students, staff or administrators, we try and keep everyone safe.”The move to put in place new safety systems comes after security officers and administrators were unable to respond quickly to the incident involving coach Mark Black and a Samo student.According to Samo security officer Guido Jaramillo, the slow response time was due to the amount of radio traffic going on at the time incident.“When the call came out, our headquarters, the main office came in and called the custodial unit because they needed some school supplies or something,” Jaramillo said, “They cut out the initial officer who was putting the call out, and because this was an emergency, everyone got on the radio either trying to find out where, or trying to put the call out.”Jaramillo said that the radio traffic resulted in a confused atmosphere which inhibited the security officers.“The radio just blared noise, and you can’t hear anything for 90 seconds, so finally, after that we were able to straighten things out and respond to the call,” Jaramillo said.As a result, Samo administrators have put in place a system that controls communication between the first responders on the Samo campus. When an incident occurs, teachers or students near a school phone should dial 71511. This number is an emergency contract designed to ring on every phone and radio on the Samo campus, and also notifies those who receive the call that it is an emergency. The first administrator or staff member to pick up the phone becomes the head of the response team, and can direct the first responders to the incident. 71511 lets people know that they should get off their radios and listen for directions.Another security measure put in place is the use of the term “Code Red.” When a Code Red comes over the radio or intercom it is a signal that an emergency is taking place, and radio silence should be maintained.According to Mayoral, communication is key on campus.“Let’s be civil and compassionate with each other, and have kind respectful interactions,” Mayoral said.However, Mayoral also stressed the need to comply in emergency situations.gziaukas@thesamohi.com