Penn Hills School District to form its own police force

Penn Hills School District officials are in the process of creating a school police force.

The board unanimously voted to authorize administrators and solicitor Bruce Dice to “take the next steps” in forming the force at a special meeting Aug. 3, according to district documents.

Steps include petitioning the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas for approval.

Board president Erin Vecchio said the goal is to have at least one or two armed officers at each school. Positions would be filled by retired police with experience working in schools.

“Because of what’s going on in the world, we’re upping our security to make sure our children and staff are safe,” Vecchio said. “We have to go get it signed off by a judge, and as soon as the judge signs off then we can start everything and interview for a supervisor.”

Vecchio said that supervisor would then recommend other officers to be hired.

The hope is to have the department created within the next two months.

The board also authorized having school security guards at driveway booths at all schools to monitor those coming into district facilities.

Vecchio said Aug. 9 that there would be one entrance and one exit for schools during the school year, and visitors would have to sign in at a gate.

For alumni and area residents, it would be similar to security measures that were in place prior to the new high school and elementary schools being built.

“We’re going back to when the schools were run in the ‘70s and ‘80s with police in the buildings,” Vecchio said.

Superintendent Nancy Hines said via email on Aug. 10 that the new district police force would not replace officers from the Penn Hills Police Department or guards from OSA Global Security contracted by the district.

“School safety continues to be a top priority for (us),” Hines said. “We recognize feeling safe is generally specific to the individual and generally encompasses a sense of belonging and feeling as though caregivers are paying attention and being proactive in terms of protecting shared spaces.

“To that end, the extra layer of armed PHSD School Police officers will supplement our established safety and security model that follows a blended design.”

The OSA officers monitor the district’s recently enhanced camera system, as well as schoolwide radio transmissions, complete regular perimeter checks and other tasks to ensure buildings and grounds remain secure.

It is unclear how much a new police force would cost.

Vecchio said it would be paid for in large part through a state grant of nearly $323,000, acquired with help from state Sen. Jay Costa’s office.

Funds come from the state Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Program.

Costa said that $190 million has been allocated for mental health and security enhancements for school entities throughout Pennsylvania.

The senator had pushed for resources to address gun reform measures, mental health programming, community violence and hate crimes.

Costa said they were able to get two out of the four priorities, and he supports Penn Hills’ use of the money to establish a police force.

“I think that’s clearly an eligible use of those proceeds, and it’s something that the board believes is necessary,” Costa said. “There’s a lot of concern with parents in regard to school safety measures.”

The board also authorized modifications of Penn Hills Police Department officers’ assignments during the school day.

District documents state there will now be two officers at the high school, one at Linton Middle School and one at the elementary school.

Attempts to reach Penn Hills Police Chief Ron Como were unsuccessful as of press time on Aug. 11.

Hines said school safety is not just about armed officers and guards. Each school will continue to have youth engagement school specialists from Pressley Ridge to help students.

“Our YESS team works closely with students, families and staff to identify and mitigate issues that are interfering with school focus and/or performance,” Hines said. “YESS efforts are coordinated in collaboration with Dr. Staci Ford and Richard Garland of RSG Consultants. … Strengthening the relationship among our students, families, and community police officers affords many benefits that extend beyond the school day.”