Orange County Public Schools has officially signed the School Justice Partnership Agreement, in partnership with 12 local law enforcement agencies and the judicial system, OCPS announced on Tuesday, June 4.
This agreement lays out guidelines for how to handle instances of student misconduct, with an emphasis on finding alternatives to arrest for less serious offenses that do not pose a threat to school safety. The goal is to establish a more cohesive and fair approach between schools and law enforcement when addressing issues of student misconduct, school safety, and providing interventions and support services.
The policies implemented must include steps for referring students to mental health services as needed, as well as procedures for conducting behavioral threat assessments in accordance with the guidelines set by the Office of Safe Schools. Teams dedicated to managing threats within schools consist of individuals with expertise in counseling, teaching, school administration, and law enforcement.
“This collaboration with our law enforcement partners signifies a commitment to fostering a secure and nurturing environment within our schools. We will ensure that our academic programs are not only designed to educate but also to promote a culture of safety and positivity for all students,” said OCPS Superintendent Maria Vazquez.
Judicial partners include Chief Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, Office of the State Attorney Ninth Judicial Circuit, Office of the Public Defender Ninth Judicial Circuit, and Orange County Clerk of Courts.
Law enforcement partners include Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Police Department (PD), Apopka PD, Belle Isle PD, Eatonville PD, Edgewood PD, Maitland PD, Oakland PD, Ocoee PD, Windermere PD, Winter Park PD, Winter Garden PD.
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