HCPS Security Heightened With Advanced Weapon Detection Systems, Hiring Of 3 More SROs

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Harford County Public Schools will be enhancing security measures in its buildings thanks to financial support pledged by county leaders.

The county will be funding advanced weapon detection systems along with other physical and electronic security upgrades. The county also will be allocating resources that will enable the school district to hire three new school resource officers focused solely on security and safety.

“The safety of our students, educators and school communities is paramount. This partnership with the Board of Education of Harford County is a testament to our shared commitment to protecting our schools and ensuring a safe learning environment," said Harford County Executive Bob Cassilly.

Most of the new security measures will be implemented before the end of the calendar year, the school district stated.

“We thank the county government for their dedication and financial support in securing our schools. Their assistance throughout this process has been invaluable, helping us address one of the board’s top priorities – the safety and security of our students and staff," said Board of Education of Harford County President Dr. Aaron Poynton.

For security purposes, specific operational and deployment details have not been disclosed.

“The administration will closely monitor the effectiveness of these initial enhancements and will continue to seek community feedback to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students, parents and staff in maintaining a safe school environment," added HCPS Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson.

School safety has been a top priority of the district after a student fatally shot another Joppatowne High School student during a fight in a school bathroom in September. Jaylen Rushawn Prince, 16, of Edgewood, has been charged as an adult with murder, first- and second-degree assault and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony in the death of 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant of Edgewood that happened in a school bathroom.

Nearly two weeks later, an HCPS student was arrested and charged in connection to a threat of violence made against an unspecified school in Harford County. Harford County sheriff's deputies were made aware of a claim made by a student early on Sept. 25 that was circulating on Snapchat. The threat involved “shooting up the school, this is a threat,” according to the sheriff's office. It didn't specify which school.

In the week between Grant's fatal shooting and the arrest of an HCPS student, Harford County sheriff's deputies investigated 11 threats of violence made against a school. Each one was investigated to determine its credibility, said Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler.