BSO highlights countywide threat management efforts to bolster school safety
Key Points(5)
- The Broward Sheriff’s Office is highlighting its countywide approach to school safety, including the use of nearly 30,000 cameras and specialized teams to identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate.
- In a September statement, Sheriff Dr.
- Gregory Tony said BSO’s Threat Management Division reviews and investigates reports involving possible threats or concerning behavior and coordinates responses aimed at keeping schools across Broward County safe.
- Reports can range from alarming social media posts by students to concerns raised by parents, teachers or other members of the community.
- A key part of the effort is BSO’s Real Time Crime Center, or RTCC, which allows investigators to monitor incidents across the county as they unfold.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office is highlighting its countywide approach to school safety, including the use of nearly 30,000 cameras and specialized teams to identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate.
In a September statement, Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said BSO’s Threat Management Division reviews and investigates reports involving possible threats or concerning behavior and coordinates responses aimed at keeping schools across Broward County safe.
Reports can range from alarming social media posts by students to concerns raised by parents, teachers or other members of the community.
A key part of the effort is BSO’s Real Time Crime Center, or RTCC, which allows investigators to monitor incidents across the county as they unfold.
According to BSO, the center has access to live video feeds from nearly 30,000 cameras, including cameras in all Broward County Public Schools. Investigators can use the system to monitor calls for service, track active threats and relay information to first responders at the scene.
The RTCC also plays a role in receiving and evaluating reports involving school safety. BSO said more than 400 school safety-related tips were submitted through its reporting systems and evaluated by the center during the last fiscal year.
Each tip is reviewed for potential concerns, allowing investigators to gather additional intelligence and determine whether further action is necessary.
When a potential threat is identified, BSO’s Threat Management Unit and Behavioral Health Licensed Therapists work together to address both law enforcement and behavioral health concerns.
Threat Management Unit detectives conduct criminal investigations, gather intelligence, evaluate information and take law enforcement action when warranted. BSO said the unit investigates every tip it receives in an effort to identify credible threats while ensuring potential warning signs are not overlooked.
Behavioral health therapists, meanwhile, assess behavioral health needs and risk factors and help connect individuals with mental health services, treatment providers and other community resources.
BSO said its behavioral health therapists received more than 360 student referrals last year, with 36% of those students accepting services.
According to the agency, connecting students with services can help address problems early and reduce the potential for future public safety risks.
The Threat Management Division's various investigative units are intended to provide a coordinated response from the time an initial concern is reported through any subsequent investigation or intervention.
Tony also urged students, parents, school employees and other members of the public to report potential threats or suspicious activity.
“It’s important to remember, if you see something concerning, say something,” the sheriff said. “Whether it’s a potential threat or suspicious activity, your report can give us the opportunity to act before a situation escalates.”
Suspicious activity can be reported through BSO’s non-emergency line at 954-764-HELP (4357) or through the SaferWatch app. BSO advised residents to call 911 in an emergency.
