From: Subject: UFT - Security in the Schools Date: Tue, 8 Mar 2005 08:49:32 -0500 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/related; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0000_01C523BB.BF6E2390"; type="text/html" X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2800.1441 This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0000_01C523BB.BF6E2390 Content-Type: text/html; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Location: http://www.uft.org/member/publications/school/security_schools/print.html UFT - Security in the Schools

3D"The

School Safety

Security in the Schools

Sep 1, 1998 3:55 PM

Tips for Guarding the safety of faculty members and=20 students  

Dear Colleague:

It has been more than 25 years since the United Federation of = Teachers=20 published the first edition of "Security in the Schools." The union has=20 continually rewritten and expanded this guide to reflect the increasing=20 seriousness of violence in city schools, as well as the very real = improvements=20 we have been able to make in services to our members.

But the fact that we have had to publish five editions of this manual = shows=20 how much still remains to be done. As violence, drugs and automatic = weapons=20 proliferate on the streets and seep into our schools, safety has never = been more=20 important to this union. We are in no way satisfied with the commitment = of money=20 and resources that government or the school system have made, and we = aren=92t=20 going to relent in our battle for safer schools.

"Security in the Schools" is one of the prime tools that UFT members = have to=20 participate in making schools safer. It offers many tips for improving = your=20 personal safety. And it should be the basis of every school safety plan = =97 a plan=20 that our contract requires each school to develop in collaboration with = the UFT=20 chapter.

This sixth edition has been rewritten to reflect the current = realities of=20 school life. It includes a wealth of information applicable to all = school=20 employees, as well as specific tips for the different divisions of the = school=20 system.

The programs outlined in this manual are in practice throughout New = York=20 City=92s schools and have been shown to have a significant impact in = reducing=20 school violence. I urge you to study the recommendations with special = care.=20 "Security in the Schools" is must reading for every UFT member.

Sincerely,
 
Randi=20 Weingarten
President

Chapter I TIMES

The problems outlined here and the procedures aimed at dealing with = them=20 apply to all schools and staff members. Each part of the school day = presents a=20 distinct set of problems. The three most critical times are the morning = when=20 faculty and pupils enter the building, the lunch periods and the = afternoon=20 dismissal.

MORNING

Your school safety plan should include morning procedures, beginning = with the=20 first activity of the day. There are three distinct dangers in the = morning:

Early morning crime, in which teachers and other = staff=20 members are victimized in or around nearly deserted school buildings. = Any=20 building is simply not safe when it is empty. A person is more = vulnerable when=20 alone than at any other time. Here are some tips to follow:

Intruders gaining access to the school during breakfast and = other=20 early morning programs. Even if the main entrance is secure, there are = often=20 unmonitored doors. These suggestions should help:

Pupils entering the building.

LUNCHTIME

During lunch periods, the following factors create security concerns: =

Schoolyards: Schoolyards can imperil both children and = staff.=20 Criminals view these areas simply as extensions of the streets. = Schoolyards=20 often become arenas for confrontations between students and parents, = children=20 and parents, and parents and UFT members. Follow these guidelines:

Student Cafeterias and Lunchrooms: The concentration of = large=20 numbers of students in the cafeteria poses potential danger. The = slightest=20 scuffle or the most minor verbal exchange can escalate into a major = disturbance=20 resulting in serious injuries.

Staff Lunchtime: Isolation can be very dangerous. While = staff may=20 seek peace and quiet after a difficult morning, safety should not be = sacrificed=20 for solitude. Follow these precautions:

DISMISSAL

Dismissal problems mirror entry problems. You could be putting = yourself in=20 danger by staying alone in a building after dismissal. Assaults and = other crimes=20 often take place just outside the school shortly after dismissal.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

A safe transition between the regular school day and the after-school = program=20 is essential because our schools are increasingly utilized for = after-school=20 programs and community activities. The same provisions of the school = safety plan=20 for entrance and dismissal should apply to after-school activities, and = staff=20 should take precautions to secure property against theft. For example, = there=20 should be no unmonitored open doors.

Chapter II LOCATIONS

Each location within the school presents a distinct set of problems. = The=20 physical areas to be concerned about are classrooms, hallways, = stairwells, and=20 large group areas such as auditoriums and lunchrooms.

CLASSROOMS

Teachers are responsible for maintaining pupil health and safety in = their=20 classrooms. You and your students are potentially vulnerable to various = threats=20 there, including:

=97 Student fights.
=97 Student assaults.
=97 Angry = parents.
=97=20 Intruders.

Here are some tips from the UFT=92s Violence Prevention Training = Program:

Be polite when dealing with angry parents who come to your classroom = or=20 office. Stand and move away from behind your desk. Ask them to return to = the=20 main office where you will join them for a conference. If they won=92t = leave, try=20 to get them to sit down. If they are seated, they are less likely to = strike out.=20 Deal

with intruders cautiously since they present the most potential = danger. Of=20 course, you have the right to defend yourself, but if you are faced with = the=20 threat of a weapon, we advise you to avoid quick movements and to comply = with=20 the assailant=92s demands.

Larceny, or theft, is the second highest category of crime reported = by UFT=20 members (after assault). As mentioned, one of the most frightening is = robbery,=20 or forcible theft. A simple rule: do not wear or bring valuables to = school. Keep=20 pocketbooks and coats under lock and key. The board will reimburse you = for

up to $100 for stolen or destroyed property. However, being a less = attractive=20 target to the thief is the best policy.

LARGE GROUP AREAS

Similar routines and procedures should apply to large group areas = such as=20 auditoriums and cafeterias. The primary danger once again is that minor=20 interactions can result in major incidents.

CORRIDORS

Statistics show that many assaults against UFT members occur in = hallways.=20 Experience proves that corridors filled with hall-wanderers indicate = that the=20 school is out of control, and the cloak of anonymity often increases the = chance=20 of confrontation. A frequent scenario involves a staff member requesting = identification from a pupil wandering in the hall.

Here are some ideas for safer halls:

Aside from students, staff members sometimes encounter adult = strangers in the=20 halls. All schools are required to implement Special Circular = #4=97"Uniform=20 Visitor Control Procedures."

If those procedures are followed properly, adult visitors should = carry a=20 color-coded pass specific to the floor they are visiting. It is = everyone=92s=20 responsibility to see that strangers without passes are not allowed to = wander=20 the halls. Here=92s how:

OTHER AREAS

Stairwells can present problems in schools. Most = older=20 schools have up and down stairways in one well with landings that cannot = be seen=20 from the hallway door. The back stairway and platforms are favorite = hangouts in=20 secondary schools for students who are cutting classes, as well as for=20 intruders. To complicate matters further, the lighting in stairwells is=20 sometimes vandalized.

Bathrooms for both staff and pupils present safety concerns, = which=20 every school safety plan should address. Student bathrooms can become = hangouts,=20 and are often sites of criminal acts. Staff bathrooms have also been the = site of=20 serious incidents.

Elevators are becoming more common in schools. The school = safety=20 plan should detail use by students and staff.

Annexes and other sites that are not physically part of the = main=20 building should not be neglected in school safety plans.

THE STREETS

Cars: Vandalism and theft of members=92 cars is a = growing=20 problem. The local police cannot provide coverage for the entire school = day. We=20 advise you to equip your car with anti-theft devices such as an alarm = and locks=20 for steering wheel, ignition and hood. While no security system is = foolproof,=20 these devices have value. Some school staffs have hired a guard to watch = their=20 cars. For a staff of 50 or more, this is not an expensive proposition. = If you=20 decide on this course of action, we advise that you consult several bona = fide=20 security firms.

Students=92 Safety To and From School: Encourage = students to=20 walk or use public transportation in groups. Warn them against wearing = expensive=20 jewelry or clothing that will make them targets. Together with the = Division of=20 School Safety, local precincts, planning boards, and civic, block and = parent=20 associations, arrange for "safe corridors" through the community.

The Herd Instinct: You are most vulnerable when you = are=20 alone. Our parting advice is that there is safety in numbers: arrange to = be with=20 colleagues when you come to school, during lunch and preps and when you=20 leave.

Chapter III LEVELS

Faculty members and students are presented with security problems = peculiar to=20 the grade level of their school. Certain problems are often more acute = at one=20 level than at others. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the most = common=20 of these problems and to offer specific recommendations for coping with = them.=20 The trend toward non-traditional age and grade organization makes it = necessary=20 for UFT members to be aware of all the types of problems discussed in = this=20 chapter.

PRIMARY LEVEL

Statistics demonstrate that this level has a higher percentage of=20 adult-perpetrated incidents than the other levels. Criminals act on an=20 attractiveness/vulnerability equation. To the criminal, the elementary = school is=20 a building populated by children, women with money and, all too often,=20 inadequate security.

Entrance Security and Visitor Screening: Special = emphasis,=20 therefore, must be placed on entrance security and visitor screening. = Because=20 there is a great deal of in-and-out traffic involving children and = parents,=20 confusion can hamper the best plans. Special attention should be given = to=20 morning, lunchtime and dismissal procedures. In addition, frequent exit = door=20 checks should be part of the routine security procedures. (See Chapter = IV.)

Parent-Teacher Conference: From time to time, = parents of=20 elementary school pupils may wish to discuss a child=92s problems and = progress=20 with the teacher. In some schools, parents are sent to the classroom = whenever=20 they appear in the building, but this practice violates Special Circular = #4=97"Uniform Visitor Control Procedures." Regulations require that no = one may=20 visit a classroom without an appointment. Visitors should be given a = color-coded=20 pass specific to the floor. Safety officers and secretaries should be = aware of=20 the mood and emotional state of visitors and act accordingly.

There are several reasons for following these procedures. First, a = teacher=20 who must deal with a visitor cannot at the same time attend to what is = going on=20 in the class. Therefore, everyone is shortchanged. Second, an effective=20 parent-teacher conference requires suitable conditions including = sufficient time=20 and privacy. When such conditions are not present, misunderstandings and = altercations can develop. Also, the presence of adults in instructional = areas=20 can provide a form of camouflage allowing potential intruders to proceed = undetected.

In summary, it is important to appropriately structure parent-teacher = conferences. If there is an emergency requiring the teacher=92s = immediate=20 presence, the class should be covered and the teacher should go to the = office to=20 meet with the parent.

Disruptive Behaviors: It is of the utmost importance = that=20 the entire elementary school staff be aware of disruptive or unusual = behavior on=20 the part of pupils, as well as the signs of possible child abuse and = neglect.=20 Most authorities agree that early identification of difficulties and = proper=20 handling are often ways to prevent discipline problems. Remember, = discipline=20 problems left unaddressed will almost certainly become safety problems.=20 Sometimes it becomes necessary to take decisive action for the = well-being of the=20 child and the class.

There is a teacher-initiated procedure for removing a disruptive or=20 assaultive child from the class outlined in Appendix B in the contract, = the=20 "Disruptive Child Circular." If you have a chronically disruptive child = in your=20 class, use this procedure.

Some people discount safety concerns in elementary schools because of = the age=20 of the children. However, any elementary school teacher can tell you = that young=20 children sometimes have temper tantrums that are difficult to handle. = Many=20 teachers are injured every year by elementary school children. The = crisis=20 intervention techniques described in the classroom section in Chapter II = are=20 especially suited to elementary schools.

Careful planning of varied activities for younger children is = important not=20 only for learning, but also for preventing disruptive behavior that may = result=20 from restlessness.

On-going safety awareness: Safety practices should = be=20 integrated into the school program. It is simply not enough to have the = local=20 police officer come in once a year to remind children not to get into = strangers=92=20 cars. The number of sex crimes, kidnappings and other crimes against = children is=20 growing at an alarming rate.

All schools should conduct an ongoing prevention program including: =

In-school procedures for protecting the safety of children should be = part of=20 the daily routine. The use of the room pass should be kept to a minimum. = When=20 children are sent from a classroom, they should always go in pairs. The = use of=20 student monitors should be limited to essential tasks. The school should = begin=20 an alert procedure when a child fails to return to his or her room = within five=20 minutes. The policy of not releasing children to anyone other than a = custodial=20 parent or guardian should be strictly followed.


SECONDARY LEVEL

Middle and high schools are organized along departmental lines so = that=20 students travel from class to class. The ages range from early = adolescence to=20 early adulthood. The behavior problems encountered range from reckless = conduct,=20 such as running and shoving in crowded hallways and stairwells, to = possession=20 and use of drugs and weapons.

Most educators agree that the physical and psychological changes = experienced=20 by middle school students can complicate safety problems. Physical = energy and=20 activity levels of this age group are peaking. Running and fighting are = common=20 behaviors. Impulses often govern and there is sometimes little = consideration of=20 consequences. There may be a determined effort to act "grown-up." This = may mean=20 experimentation with drugs, tobacco and alcohol. It may involve carrying = and=20 using weapons. In many areas, there is constant testing and pushing of=20 boundaries. A sound way to handle these issues is to set clearly = understood=20 standards and limits and to rigorously enforce them.

Some of the basic safety concerns on the secondary level are:

Weapons Possession: A teacher who is aware of a student with = a=20 weapon should get help immediately. Try not to alarm the class or the = student=20 with the weapon. The best case scenario is to get the student away from = the book=20 bag if that is where the weapon is. If the weapon is on his person, try = to get=20 the offender out of the room, where he can be surrounded by safety = officers and=20 other appropriate staff. Low-key, calm responses will help assure a = satisfactory=20 outcome.

Classroom Confrontations: Classroom confrontations = between=20 and among students or between student and staff members can be = successfully=20 managed without injury if the following are in place:

Large Group Safety: We discussed some aspects of safety in = large=20 group areas in an earlier section. However, secondary school cafeteria = safety=20 requires some additional information. A lunch period in a middle school = and the=20 lower high school grades can be 45 minutes of kinetic chaos. This is = especially=20 true when students cannot use yards or other play areas to burn off = surplus=20 energy. Here are some additional tips:

Hall Control: The very size of high schools causes security = and=20 safety problems. Some floors run a quarter of a mile around, and many = schools=20 have 30 or more exits. The majority of high schools have more than 2,000 = pupils=20 on register. Some have multiple sessions, which cause further = complications.=20

These factors give rise to certain problems. Any staff member knows = only a=20 small percentage of the student body and, therefore, any student prone = to=20 anti-social behavior has an effective cloak of anonymity. Also, = intruders can=20 blend in with the student population. Statistics show that many of the = incidents=20 affecting secondary school staff do not occur in classrooms and do not = involve=20 persons known to the staff member. These are transactions between = strangers.=20

The most obvious and frequent symptom of a troubled secondary school = is the=20 absence of effective procedures to deal with cutting and hall control. = The hall=20 population in any school represents a spectrum. The majority of = hall-roaming=20 students are there simply because of the lack of enforcement. A small = minority=20 are potential troublemakers who use the hall, stairwells or bathrooms to = assault, rob and harass other students. They may invade and disrupt = classrooms=20 and engage in vandalism. The cutting students are missing instruction, = and they=20 frequently disrupt the education of those who want to learn. Hall = control=20 procedures should be flexible in order to deal with the numbers = involved. The=20 evidence of drug, alcohol and other criminal activities, as well as = other=20 situations, can change over time.

Here are components that have proven effective:

Schools have experimented with various "roundup" strategies. The most = common=20 is the sweep, which brings or sends wanderers to a central room for = processing.=20 A variation simply requires a radio call to the central office by the = security=20 officer for follow up.

One point is essential for success for any hall control plan: = Students and=20 parents should be informed in advance. There should be no surprises. =

Don=92t expect a perfect solution. However, when schools have = implemented these=20 plans on a consistent basis, there has been noticeable improvement = within a week=20 or so.

Intergroup Tensions and Conflicts: Sometimes = tensions=20 between groups of different ethnic and national origins can lead to = friction and=20 widespread disruption. While we can take measures to end the turmoil, it = is more=20 important to establish an effective human relations program to prevent = tensions=20 from escalating in the first place.

Key to the success of such a program is a good human relations team, = which=20 should include a staff member serving as program coordinator. In high = schools,=20 the coordinator of student affairs should be a team member. Deans, = guidance=20 counselors and teachers should be included.

The team must gather information and be knowledgeable in the = following areas:=20

It is of great importance that the administration establish and = support an=20 effective program. Success is based on good organization and rapid, easy = communications between the team members and the administration. = Likewise, no=20 human relations program can be effective without the support and = cooperation of=20 the faculty. The staff must be kept informed of problems and progress. =

Operation of a successful program should include:

Chapter IV SCHOOL SAFETY PLANS

Recognizing that school communities and physical plants differ and = thus=20 present a variety of safety problems, Article 10 of the UFT contract = requires=20 each school to have its own safety plan.

The principal must prepare this plan in collaboration with the = chapter=20 committee and the parents=92 association. According to the contract, the = safety=20 plan must be reviewed and, if needed, revised annually using the same=20 consultative process. It is important that every staff member receive a = copy of=20 the safety plan. A faculty meeting early in the year should be devoted = to=20 reviewing the plan. Safety plans should address the real problems of the = school=20 as well as the potential ones. It should provide for routine safety = procedures=20 and various emergency situations. In buildings which house more than one = school=20 or program, there should be an overall plan.

ROUTINE PROCEDURES

Times Covered=97It is important that the plan state = the hours=20 of operation, i.e., "This plan is in effect between 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 = p.m."=20

Chain of Command=97Regardless of who is absent or = otherwise=20 out of the building, some individual must be in charge. Since it is = vital to=20 eliminate any possibility of "no one in charge" during an emergency, a = chain of=20 command should be spelled out.

Safety Officer Assignments=97A chart of these = assignments=20 should be included in the plan and posted in the office. Staff members = should=20 know where the nearest safety officer is assigned.

Communications/Response=97Whom should you call when = there is=20 an impending emergency? Who will respond? Your school should have an = intercom=20 equivalent to 911.

Exit Security=97Ensure all exit doors are in good = repair.=20 Frequent patrol and door checks should be made. Anti-trespass and = visitor=20 procedure signs should be posted. All exiting visitor traffic should be = directed=20 to the main exit using signs such as "FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN, = PLEASE=20 LEAVE BY THE MAIN ENTRANCE."

Visitor Screening=97Follow the provisions of Special = Circular=20 #4=97"Uniform Visitor Control Procedures" or simply incorporate it into = your plan.=20

The memorandum includes the following:

Passes=97All passes should be large and non-foldable. = Stick-on badges=20 are just as good; however, they have been known to damage some types of=20 clothing. The purpose of the pass is to identify the visitor as someone = who has=20 been screened and has legitimate business in the school.

Times of School Day=97All the considerations in = Chapter I=20 regarding various times of the school day should be covered in the = safety plan.=20

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Intruder Alert Procedures=97An intruder is an = individual who=20 has no legitimate business in the school. All staff members must report=20 suspected intruders. Your plan should include rapid response, which = should=20 include a coded warning over the public address system designed to alert = staff=20 without alarming students. An example: "Officer Jones, report to the = library."=20 This indicates the presence of an intruder and the location. Police = should be=20 notified if the intruder is suspected of being dangerous. Apprehending = most=20 intruders should be left to security staff and the police. An "all = clear"=20 message should be used when the danger has passed.

Major Disruptions=97Notify police, transit police, = Division of=20 School Safety and the superintendent. Make emergency assignments for all = staff=20 members. These should be designed to minimize risk of injury to students = and=20 participating staff members. Emergency patrols should be group efforts = that=20 include a supervisor and a safety officer with a radio.

Ensure Clear Communication=97This would include = posting of=20 regular situation reports. Frequent safety committee meetings and rumor = control=20 efforts are essential.

CHANCELLOR=92S REGULATIONS

The chancellor has promulgated several important regulations and = circulars=20 involving safety and security. Rather than copy them into your safety = plan,=20 simply add the following line to your plan: "All regulations and = directives of=20 the chancellor concerning school safety, security and student discipline = are=20 hereby appended." The Division of School Safety=92s "Safety Plan Shell" = includes=20 the tagline as an addendum.

These include but are not limited to:

DISCIPLINE CODE

Every district and central division must have a discipline code based = on=20 city-wide guidelines. Like the safety plan, the code must be updated = every year.=20 The codes are issued by the central board and community boards and are = therefore=20 Board policy. The Superintendent must suspend any student K-12 who = possesses a=20 gun or other illegal weapon, uses force on a staff member, causes = serious injury=20 to anyone or sells drugs. You can file a grievance if a school or = district fails=20 to enforce the code.

If there are concerns regarding the implementation of the discipline = code in=20 your school, consult Chancellor=92s Memorandum No. 48, 1986-87. There is = a=20 three-step resolution process involving first the principal, second the=20 superintendent, and third the chancellor=92s office. Chapter leaders, = district=20 representatives and the staff at central UFT will be involved in that = process.=20 That memo also describes the role of the teacher in implementing the = code. Nine=20 separate directives are included, none of which can be fulfilled unless = the=20 teacher has a copy and is familiar with the discipline code.

Chancellor=92s Special Circular No. 9, dated Aug. 25, 1988, outlines = the role=20 of teachers and other staff members in formulating discipline policy and = also=20 details distribution and monitoring procedures.

SCHOOL SAFETY COMMITTEES

The chancellor has mandated that every school must have a functioning = school=20 safety committee. The Chapter should play a leading role in the = committee.=20 Important roles of the committee would include:

Chapter V AVAILABLE SERVICES

UFT SCHOOL=20 SAFETY DEPARTMENT

Among its duties, the department administers a computerized incident=20 reporting system. Chapter leaders report incidents involving members by = phone,=20 fax or mail. The union shares this information with the Board. In = addition, the=20 union contacts each victim by phone, mail or in person in order to offer = support=20 and services. Direct services are provided through the Victim Support = Program, a=20 collaboration between the UFT and the Division of Human Resources at the = Board.=20 The services include:

The Victim Support Program also offers Violence Prevention Training=20 including:

The UFT School Safety Department also provides crisis intervention = following=20 major incidents. This includes psychological counseling for staff to = help staff=20 deal with "ripple effect" trauma. Department representatives also = provide=20 technical assistance and school presentations about school safety and = safety=20 planning upon request by the chapter leader.

UFT HEALTH = AND SAFETY=20 COMMITTEE

While the mission of this committee concerns school environmental = issues, it=20 relates directly with several agencies that have an impact on physical = safety=20 such as:

Broken doors, locks, intercom systems and public address systems are = just=20 some of the problems that can impact on individual safety. The chapter = leader=20 should contact his/her district representative to access the assistance = of the=20 Health and Safety Committee.

DIVISION OF SCHOOL SAFETY

More than 3,000 security officers are deployed in New York City = public=20 schools. Most are peace officers with arrest powers. In addition to the = officers=20 assigned to schools, there are Mobile Task Force units which respond to=20 emergency situations.

Supervisors of school safety, who are UFT members, provide field = oversight=20 for safety operations in schools. They have also been trained in crisis=20 intervention techniques and are a valuable resource during an emergency. =

The Division of School Safety implements the Safe = Schools=20 Program. Weapon detection is the key to this program. There are several = other=20 components including identification card entry system and a = computerized,=20 electromagnetic exit door locking system.

The weapon detection system involves metal detectors = for=20 people and luggage scanners for bookbags and packages. Most schools use = the=20 hand=96held scanners, and as a result only a portion of those entering = the=20 building are scanned. At this writing, the Chancellor has pledged to = install=20 walk=96through systems like those at airports at 50 high schools. This = system=20 provides full weapons detection for all who enter and is superior to the = hand=96held program.

Most schools provide a separate entrance for staff so they do not = have to be=20 scanned. However, if they choose to use the student entrance, they may = very well=20 be scanned. The electromagnetic doorlocks are a technological attempt to = secure=20 doors other than those at the main entrance. If those other doors are = not=20 secure, the weapon detection program loses its effectiveness.

The computerized ID card entry system provides = positive=20 identification and takes attendance. Students are given a photo ID card = that has=20 been encoded like a credit card. They swipe it through a computerized = terminal=20 to gain access.

The executive director and central headquarters of = the=20 Department of School Safety are located at 600 East 6th St., New York, = NY 10009,=20 phone: (212) 979-3300. There are several field offices that coordinate = safety=20 services with their areas. Their phone numbers* are:

MANHATTAN ........................................... (212) = 666-1091
BRONX=20 .................................................... (718) = 409-3500
NORTH=20 BROOKLYN.................................. (718) 387-1107
SOUTH = BROOKLYN=20 ................................. (718) 241-9700
QUEENS NORTH=20 ..................................... (718) 699-5417
QUEENS=20 SOUTH...................................... (718) 949-6413
STATEN = ISLAND=20 ...................................... (718) 816-0681
*Note: These = numbers=20 are correct as of September 1998.

POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Police Department is a vital component of school safety. It is = important=20 that the school maintain close and good relations with the precinct = commander,=20 the community relations officer, the youth officer and the officers in = whose=20 sector the school is located.

The crime prevention officers and youth officers assigned to the = precinct can=20 be valuable resources. The Board mandates regular meetings between = principals=20 and precinct commanders. Each precinct also has a monthly community = council=20 meeting. Staff members should feel free to attend these meetings and = discuss=20 their problems.

If UFT members in a particular school feel that problems are not = being=20 resolved, they may call their district representative, who also = maintains=20 liaison with local police officials.

Chapter VI IF SOMETHING HAPPENS

Our primary object in preparing this booklet is to assist staff = members in=20 preventing incidents. The secondary purpose is to assist and help = protect the=20 rights of those who are victims of crimes in school. This chapter = provides=20 information on Board of Education requirements for medical and legal = protection.=20 It also deals with your rights vis-a-vis the criminal justice system. =

NOTIFICATIONS

The board=92s policy is to pay the full salary of all staff members = (including=20 paraprofessionals) who are injured as a result of a criminal act at = school or on=20 school business.

To be certain that your rights are protected, be sure to fill out and = file=20 the proper forms. All of these, unless stated on the forms, should be = returned=20 to the school secretary as soon as possible. Delays could cause you=20 inconvenience or perhaps cost you money. The forms are:

Division of School Safety Incident Form=97The = principal must=20 file this report, which describes the incident, within 24 hours. You = have the=20 right to review the incident report and, if you wish, attach a = statement.=20 Comprehensive Accident Report=97This report details the nature of your = injuries.=20 It also is the responsibility of the principal to file this form within = 24=20 hours.

UFT Incident Form=97This report notifies the UFT = School Safety=20 Department. Chapter Leaders should mail or fax these reports as soon as = possible=20 so that the union can provide assistance and information to the victim. =

Application For Excuse of Absence (OP198)=97The = victim and=20 his/her physician fill out this form. If absence is prolonged, a new = form is=20 required as necessary.

Confidential Medical Form (OP407)=97If you consider = the nature=20 of the incident or injury confidential, have your doctor fill out this = form and=20 mail it to the Board=92s Medical Office.

Assignment Form (OP200)=97This legal form, which = must be=20 notarized, states that if you sue and collect and the settlement is = larger than=20 the salary paid during the period of your convalescence, you will refund = your=20 salary to the board.

Request for Reimbursement of Medical Expenses=96Assault=20 (OP505A)=97The board will reimburse you, in most instances, for = all or=20 almost all of your out-of-pocket medical expenses if you have been = assaulted.=20 (If you cannot get an OP505A, write "assault" across the top of an = OP505.)

Reguest for Reimbursement for Loss or Damage = to=20 Personal Property (OP504)=97The board will reimburse you for = stolen or=20 destroyed property up to $100, but only if the property is of the type = that is=20 normally brought to school. Reminder: don=92t bring valuables to school! =

PARAPROFESSIONAL NOTIFICATIONS

In addition, paraprofessionals need the following forms: =

Employer=92s Report of Injury (C2)=97Paras should = fill out only=20 the employee section of this two-part form.

Employee=92s Notice of Injury (WCD23)=97This report = provides the=20 para=92s description of the incident.

OTHER NOTIFICATIONS

Office of Legal Services=97According to the = chancellor=92s=20 regulations and the UFT contract, principals must call the board=92s = Office of=20 Legal Services immediately when there is a crime against a staff member. = The=20 principal must send to that office a full account along with names and = witness=20 statements within 24 hours. The Office of Legal Services is located at = 110=20 Livingston St., Brooklyn, NY 11201; the phone number is (718) 935-3624. =

Intent to Sue=97If you suspect that an injury is = very serious=20 or that the school was in some way culpable, you might want to consider = a civil=20 action against the city. Call your UFT borough office, which will = arrange a free=20 consultation with an attorney. In any case, you have ninety (90) days = from the=20 date of the incident to file a "Notice of Claim" with the city.

MEDICAL BUREAU

Staff members who are injured in the line of duty and are absent for = more=20 than a few days must report to the medical bureau. Call (718) 935-3331 = for an=20 appointment. Those whose injuries resulted from assaults or other = criminal acts=20 should call the UFT=92s Victim Support Program at (212) 598-9539 to = arrange for=20 someone to accompany you.

It is the job of the physicians at the medical bureau to examine you = to=20 determine the nature of the injury and to establish whether the injury = is=20 job-related. If the medical bureau denies or terminates your=20 injury-in-the-line-of-duty status and you and your doctor disagree with = that=20 finding, call your UFT borough office to see if the contract provisions = for an=20 independent medical review (medical arbitration) apply in your case. You = have 10=20 days from the medical bureau=92s decision to apply for medical = arbitration.

JUSTICE SYSTEM

POLICE

If you are the victim of a school-related crime, please keep the = following in=20 mind:

Be sure to get the names and phone numbers of the officers assigned = to your=20 case. Call them periodically to inquire about progress or to get answers = to any=20 questions that you may have.

COURTS

Going to court is seldom a one-time thing. The UFT Victim Support = Program=20 will accompany and advise you during the process. The union encourages = school=20 crime victims to press criminal charges.

If the perpetrator is under 16 years of age, Family Court usually has = jurisdiction. In extremely serious juvenile cases (first-degree = felonies), the=20 perpetrator is tried in adult courts. All adult cases start in Criminal = Court,=20 where relatively minor charges, called misdemeanors, also are tried. = Serious=20 adult cases, called felonies, are tried in State Supreme Court.

All New York City courts use metal detector screening which causes = lines=20 outside, so dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to wait. =

FAMILY COURT

As the complaining witness (victim) in a case involving someone under = age 16,=20 you will have to go to court at least twice. Here=92s the process:

Intake=97This first appearance involves an interview = with a=20 probation officer where you will be offered several options:

Drawing the petition=97If you decide to go to trial, you = will meet=20 with an assistant corporation counsel, the city=92s lawyer who acts as = the=20 prosecutor in Family Court. Based on a discussion with you, he/she will = draft a=20 formal petition or statement of violations of laws involved.

The city=92s Victim Services Agency=97This is your = last=20 interview. You can arrange to be put on telephone alert so that you are = called=20 for trial only when everything is in place, saving you many frustrating = trips to=20 court.

Arraignment=97This is a court procedure before a = Family Court=20 judge at which the juvenile, known in court as the respondent, appears. = The=20 respondent is informed of the charges and can plead guilty or not = guilty. A=20 hearing date is set. The respondent is released on bail or more likely = in the=20 custody of his/her parents. In very serious cases he/she will be = remanded to a=20 juvenile detention facility. You may be required to appear only when the = corporation counsel seeks such a remand.

Hearings=97Trials in Family Court are called = hearings. The=20 court hearing is divided into two parts:

1) Fact finding determines whether the respondent committed the act = as stated=20 in the petition. These proceedings are not open to the public but they = resemble=20 a trial. All parties concerned give testimony and are cross examined. = The rules=20 of evidence apply.

2) Disposition, which is akin to sentencing, if the finding is = against the=20 respondent, these are the most common dispositions:

CRIMINAL COURT

Criminal proceedings against an adult defendant involve many steps. =

Depending on the case, you may have to be present at all of them. To=20 complicate matters further, most courts have different assistant = district=20 attorneys assigned to each step of the process. As in Family Court, you = can=20 arrange to be placed on witness alert.

If you fail to appear at any required step, the charges may be = dropped. Here=20 are the steps:

Information=97You and an assistant district attorney = (ADA)=20 review the police complaint filled out by the arresting officer. The ADA = prepares and you sign a court document known as the "information," which = describes the incident.

Arraignment=97Same process as in Family Court.

Dispositional hearing=97You must appear because the = judge may=20 send the case to trial that very day. At this hearing prosecutors may = offer to=20 reduce charges for a guilty plea; this is commonly called plea = bargaining. If=20 the case is not settled, it is sent to trial.

Trial=97These are, for the most part, non-jury = trials which=20 last an hour or so. You will have to testify and be cross examined. If a = guilty=20 verdict is reached, the judge sets a sentencing date.

STATE SUPREME COURT

Serious cases, those called felonies, are tried in State Supreme = Court even=20 though the information and arraignment take place in Criminal Court. The = entire=20 process of felony cases may take from six to nine months. Here are the = steps:=20

The Grand Jury=97This is a panel of citizens who = determine if=20 there is sufficient evidence to bring a felony case to trial. You will = have to=20 testify before the grand jury, which has the following options:

Hearings=97After an indictment there is a series of = hearings, most of=20 which do not require your presence. You must be present for the Wade = Hearing,=20 which is for the purpose of establishing the identification of the = defendant.=20

Trial=97These are usually jury trials and can last = up to ten=20 days. The procedures are the same as in Criminal Court.

Note: Having to go through the process and testifying in = court can=20 be stressful. You should keep these tips in mind when you testify:

DEFENSE OF STAFF MEMBERS

Among the most upsetting events that can happen to a school staff = member is=20 to be placed under arrest, be named in a lawsuit or served with a = summons to=20 appear to court.

If you are questioned by a police officer or an agent of the Special=20 Commissioner of Investigations, say, "I will be glad to talk to you when = I have=20 my lawyer present." Call the UFT borough office and a lawyer will be = provided.=20 The UFT will provide legal assistance from the initiation of a criminal=20 investigation through the arraignment in school-related cases.

If you are arrested or served with a summons, inform your principal. = The=20 principal will request legal assistance from the city by writing to the = Office=20 of Legal Services at the board. The letter should be counter-signed by = the=20 superintendent. Copies of all supporting documents should be attached. =

If for whatever reason the board does not secure representation for = you, you=20 should secure your own lawyer. You should ask your UFT borough office = for an=20 application for the NYSUT Legal Defense Fund. This fund will reimburse = you for=20 up to $25,000 in legal fees if you are found not guilty.

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