Reading school security hold in-service training www.privateofficer.com
For the first time, the district is holding full-day training sessions for security staff.
The 52 district security guards will take part in a second day of training today with a program that will include communication training.
Guards spent eight hours Friday in sessions about sexual harassment, fire safety, CPR and performing searches.
Russell A. Delrosario, a former New York police officer, was hired to head the district’s security force in January.
Reading administrators, Delrosario said, felt it was vitally important to bring a training element to the security team.
Delrosario said the training sessions are meant to give guards a broad review of the rules, regulations, policies and techniques of their jobs.
“Just overall skills to patrol the schools better,” he said.
Manny Santiago, who has been a guard in the district for seven years, said the training sessions are a great way for guards to keep their skills sharp.
The training also will help ensure that all guards perform duties such as student searches the same way.
Ramon Acevedo, who has been a guard for 16 years, said he’s been asking for training for years.
“Sometimes you forget about things,” he said.
“And sometimes things change, and we want to stay up to date.”
Delrosario is planning follow-up training sessions to be held throughout the school year. He said he sees it as essential to having an adequate security force.
Four city police officers also will be assigned to Reading schools.
Officers will be located in Reading High School and in the new Citadel intermediate high school.
Source:ReadingEagle.com
