Safety and Security
Safety is the top priority at Tacoma Public Schools. We've implemented a comprehensive system that includes trained staff, protocols, programs, and policies to keep students and staff safe before, during, and after school.
Creating and maintaining a safe learning environment
In Tacoma Public Schools safety and security are a 24-hour, 7-day practice. Our continuing goal is to provide all students with a healthy learning environment both during school hours and at after school activities. We offer our community the opportunity to safely watch and participate in various school athletic competitions and activities.
A layered approach to safety
There are several ways we work to maintain the safety of our schools. It begins with our teachers, administrators and staff, who foster a caring school community that values respect and trust between adults and students. We want all students to feel connected, understand what's expected of them and receive any behavioral and mental health support they need.
Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility. The safety of our students and staff is reliant on building trusted partnerships with parents, students and communities across the district.
Our safety and security program includes:
- Campus Security Officers - These Tacoma Public Schools employees are assigned to work in one of our secondary schools. Their consistent presence allows them to understand the rhythms of the building while developing strong relationships with students.
- Campus Security Officers II - These Tacoma Public Schools employees work in partnership with the Tacoma Police Department, providing safety and security support across the district 24/7. This mobile unit is in constant radio communication with the police department and may respond to 911 calls related to our schools.
- Emergency Management Partnership - Our strong partnership with the City of Tacoma and Pierce County Departments of Emergency Management assures that we are constantly assessing our ability to respond to any forms of disaster. Tacoma Public Schools personnel attend a monthly meeting with members of surrounding districts to assure that we are in a process of continuous improvement. We also review our school emergency procedures on an annual basis.
Safety & Security News
Who to Call
Threat to a school or a crime in progress - Call 911
Crime not in progress - Call the Non-Emergency TPD Line at (253) 287-4455
Tacoma Public Schools building or property damage - Call TPS Safety and Security at (253) 571-1000
UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION WITH YOUR SCHOOL'S MAIN OFFICE
Phone calls are the fastest way for TPS to notify all families in the event of an emergency.
We always try to keep our families up to date on information as we learn it. Sometimes the speed of social media travels much faster than the time it takes to conduct an investigation. We want to ensure that the information we share with you is accurate as we work with our law enforcement partners.