The Minister of Education and Technical & Vocational Training the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin said to ensure the safety and security of school campuses, the Education Ministry in conjunction with the Ministry of National Security deployed nationwide police officers who received specialized training to become certified as School Resource Officers (SRO’s).
“This programme is overseen by Assistant Commissioner of Police Chaswell Hanna who monitors trends and deploys data-based strategies on school campuses,” the Education Minister said during her Contribution to the 2025/2026 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
She explained that the SRO’s are present on every high school campus in New Providence and on many campuses in Family Island schools as a needs assessment dictates.
The Education Minister added that the SRO’s have now developed liaisons with several Primary Schools.
She noted that the work of the SRO’s is complemented by that of the security team at the Ministry of Education — which itself has implemented a comprehensive training programme, accredited by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Training School.
“More than 172 security officers have been trained in essential skills, and a variety of critical skills including the use of metal detectors, which have been procured by the Ministry.”
The Minister said officers, like the SRO’s are trained in working collaboratively with school administrators who manage the campus and the work of security officers is complementary to the work of the SRO’s.
She said school incidents nationwide have significantly reduced last year by 17 per cent, and the data for this current academic year is being collated.
The Minister noted that there has been a notable reduction in campus disruptions, including fights and other incidents, during the last days of this school year, thanks to a strong collaboration between school security, School Resource Officers (SRO’s), school administrators and parents.
She said, “We are also preparing for the upcoming school year with new protocols focused on identification and access control. These protocols will ensure that only individuals authorized by school executives will be allowed entry.”
The Education Minister explained that the Ministry has begun installing electronic arms at school entrances to control access to school campuses.
“We are also in discussions with the Department of Information and Technology to implement a unique student identification card system — so that only authorized students can access their respective school campuses.
“These measures have become necessary in light of a number of incidents involving unauthorized entries by students and adults that compromise school safety.”
She said the Ministry must send a strong signal of zero tolerance and that school campuses must be safe zones
“Schools must also deal with a wide range of disciplinary issues — from minor infractions to serious violations. Students may face suspension to suspension centres, or be enrolled in the Programme Sure, or in more serious circumstances [referred] to the juvenile justice system.”
The Education Minister added that parents must work collaboratively in these circumstances with the relevant agencies to advance the shared concern of the children’s best interest.
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