Commack Schools Form Security Review Committee

The Commack School District announced Thursday that it has created a permanent, internal security review committee.  

According to school officials, the goal of the committee is to continuously review the district’s security protocols, make recommendation, debriefing significant incidents and publishing updates throughout the year.  

The committee consists of the school superintendent, assistant superintendent for business operations, chief administrator for facilities, school security officers, between two and four building principals, the director of health, physical education and athletics, the Suffolk County Police Department resource officer, Commack Fire Department representatives, parent representatives and teacher representatives.  

The district has already taken steps to improve its security including increasing its security personnel after the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., put in additional daytime door alarms and installed a keyless entry system, to keep out intruders. The district said it is in its final stages of building a closed-circuit surveillance system that will be manned and monitored for the duration of every school day.  

Despite the additional security measures, Commack has seen a handful of issues come up in its schools this year. Most recently, Suffolk County Police arrested a 31-year-old man accused of stalking a Commack High School student, last week. On May 9, the student reported to a security guard that the man was standing by her car in the parking lot. The security guard told the man to leave the property, which he did. However, police said the man returned the next day and was seen in the hallway walking among students. Police arrested the man that day.  

Residents criticized the way the school district handled an incident in April when a student brought an airsoft pellet gun to school. The incident caused a wildfire on social media, causing mass confusion as rumors spread about a supposed assault weapon being in the building.  

What security issues do you think need to be addressed in Commack Schools? Share your thoughts in the comments below.