Chief Security Officer

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a related field plus formal documented training in security and police procedures.
• Five (5) years institutional security managerial experience and/or police supervisory experience.
• Proficiency in current security procedures.
• Ability to express self clearly and concisely in oral and written communications.
• Ability to maintain cooperative relationships between employees, staff and public.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and safe driving record.
• Candidate must be skilled in the use of current technologies.
• Organizational skills required to keep current with departmental record needs.
• Possess and maintain current Act 126 training.
• Current Act 34, Act 151 and Act 114 clearances.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Review of video security needs.
• Provide advice to all building principals about surveillance camera locations inside and outside the school.
• Aid principals and coordinate with DASD Facilities Department to replace and repair all camera and video needs during the school year.
• Provide assistance to all building principals on command center location and command operation including video and voice communication to prepare for emergencies.
• Aid principals and district administration with investigations involving video footage.
• Advisor/Consultant to DASD Leadership.
• Advise and consult with DASD leadership on security and safety matters to include the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendents, Business Manager, Secondary and Elementary School Principals, Maintenance and Transportation Supervisors.
• Meet on a routine basis with school principals and employees designated by the Superintendent to discuss security/safety concerns for that particular venue.
• Conduct the following drills with each building principal and coordinate with the principal follow-up debriefing activities with the faculty and students: 3 intruder drills, 2 weather emergency drills, 2 building evacuation/fire drills, 2 lock down drills, and reunification protocols must be rehearsed.
• The CSO will personally oversee all drills being conducted throughout the school year. In the event the CSO cannot attend a drill, then he or she may request a designee to oversee the drill.
• Provide ongoing support to buildings to expand on the scope/content of emergency drills.
• Be personally available to DASD leadership 24/7 via telephone/email to respond to security/safety questions or issues.
• At the request of the DASD Superintendent, provide security and safety presentations to the DASD School Board, leadership, teachers, staff and employees.
• Collaboration with local Chiefs of Police/State Police, the Chester County Fire Marshall, and local Fire Chiefs.
• Consult with and maintain routine liaison with the local chiefs of police and state police station commanders concerning DASD safety/security issues where DASD schools/facilities are located.
• When indicated and necessary or at the request of the DASD Superintendent, liaison will occur with other federal, state, county and local law enforcement and public safety entities.
• Represent DASD at State and Chester County Safe Schools Summits/Meetings as the budget would allow.
• Survey and assessment of 16 school buildings and Administration Building.
• Conduct a review of all 16 school DASD Emergency Operations and Communications Plans and make recommendations addressing any gaps or deficiencies.
• Assist Assistant Superintendents in creating an updated emergency planning guide for all teachers in all 16 school buildings.
• Conduct Site Assessments of all school buildings and the administration building and provide a written report detailing recommendations to enhance security at those venues.
• All tracking documentation of drills conducted in all buildings are coordinated and gathered by the CSO.
• The CSO shall obtain and maintain certification to conduct school safety and security assessments as required by PCCD.
• Supervision of contracted school security guards.
• Actively supervises all guards assigned to work in the Downingtown Area School District.
• Maintain ongoing communication with security service provider to ensure proper staffing levels and to address any security guard performance or conduct related issues.