Ensuring the safety of Los Angeles school students has never been more critical. With rising incidents of on‑campus violence and growing awareness of threats—from physical attacks to cyber intrusions—the need for comprehensive, proactive security has become urgent. This post explores key safety metrics, emerging California laws, and best‑practice strategies for securing campuses, with a focus on how armed and BSIS‑certified security teams can play a vital role.
The Rising Tide of School Security Concerns in LA
On‑Campus Violence
- In the 2022–23 school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) reported a staggering 4,569 incidents of physical aggression—nearly double the number recorded in 2018.
- Just last year, a violent brawl at Van Nuys High School left five students injured and prompted a campus lockdown.
- Although not local to LA, the Saugus High School shooting in 2019 remains a haunting reminder: two students killed, several injured, and a community forever changed.
Cyber Threats
- LAUSD experienced a devastating ransomware attack in September 2022, orchestrated by the “Vice Society” gang. The attack disrupted systems for 600,000 students and triggered widespread concerns over data privacy and continuity of education
Perceptions of Safety
- Though many staff feel safe—9 in 10 middle/high school staff and 96% of elementary staff report that sentiment student sentiment tells another story. In one study, most Black students characterized school police as untrustworthy and overly aggressive—undermining trust in security measures
2. The Legal Landscape: New Legislation Aiming to Bolster School Safety
SB 848 – Strengthening Safety Plans and Misconduct Oversight
This bill mandates that school safety plans must now:
- Include supervision and protection from child abuse and sex offenses;
- Expand crime assessments to all crimes, not just school site incidents;
- Require written notification to parents and staff about both violent and sexual crimes;
- Apply to charter schools, public school districts, and county education offices by July 1, 2026.
AB 68 – Mandating Armed Resource Officers (Not Yet Passed)
- AB 68 proposed requiring at least one armed School Resource Officer (SRO) at every school with 50+ students during school hours.
- However, the bill failed to move out of committee, so it has not become law.
Still, the growing demand for SROs reflects broader concerns around active threats and campus response readiness.
Existing Requirements: Safety Planning and Reporting
- Under Education Code 35294.6 and 32282, all California schools must maintain a Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) which includes crime assessment and safety strategies.
- SB 848 aims to expand these plans, aligning proactive safety measures with emerging needs.
Proven Solutions for Safer School Campuses in LA
a) Data‑Driven Safety Assessment
Leverage tools like the federal Campus Safety Data Analysis Tool for benchmarking safety metrics and identifying gaps.
b) Comprehensive School Safety Planning (CSSP + SB 848)
Adopt expanded safety plans (CSSP) that:
- Cover all types of crime on and near campuses;
- Include sexual abuse prevention, staff boundaries, and misconduct reporting components;
- Ensure parent/staff notification protocols are in place.
c) Trusted Personnel & Training
- Employ BSIS‑certified school security officers who are trained in juvenile behavior, de-escalation, emergency response, and cultural sensitivity.
- Consider an SRO model (whether public or contracted) structured with inclusive threat‑assessment teams involving counselors, administrators, and mental health staff.
d) Formal Partnerships & Surveillance
- Establish Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with local agencies and clarify authority and coordination.
- Use 24-hour reporting hotlines (like LAUSD’s School Police hotline) for anonymous tip reporting.
e) Cybersecurity Readiness
- Following the LAUSD ransomware incident, invest in robust cyber hygiene: multi-factor authentication, data backups, and intrusion monitoring.
- Train staff and students to recognize phishing and potential breaches.
f) Inclusive Incident Protocols
- Superintendents continue to address emergent challenges. For example, at graduations, LAUSD declared venues as safe zones to protect vulnerable immigrant families from immigration enforcement
Role of Aable Security: Delivering Real Results
Aable Security is positioned to help LA schools implement these best practices by:
- Providing BSIS-trained and certified officers experienced in campus safety;
- Supporting CSSP updates in alignment with SB 848 mandates;
- Offering both armed and unarmed guard services and facilitating SRO partnerships where needed;
- Implementing emergency surveillance, response planning, and anonymous reporting solutions;
- Advising on cybersecurity coordination, incident planning, and compliance communication.
School safety in Los Angeles is at a crossroads. With physical violence and cyber threats on the rise, and safety legislation evolving, schools must act now to protect students effectively. By combining expanded safety planning, certified personnel, training, cyber defenses, and inclusive protocols, campuses can become more resilient and trusted spaces.
Aable Security brings the proven experience and compliance-ready service schools need to align with current laws and prepare for the future.
