July 29, 2026 – We have updated this article with the latest safety measures being implemented across the district, which include an expanded K9 unit and new weapons detection systems coming to elementary schools this fall.
From onsite officers and K9 units to weapons detection systems and emergency alert technology, Duval County Public Schools employs multiple layers of security to help keep students and staff safe.
Team Duval News recently spoke with School Police Chief Jackson Short about the district's safety measures and what families can expect during the 2026-27 school year.
Officers at Every School
Florida statute requires all schools to have at least one armed safe-school officer on campus. Duval County Public Schools meets this requirement by:
Assigning at least one Duval County School police officer to all middle and high schools.
Using a combination of local law enforcement agencies, contracted armed security, and school guardians at elementary schools.
All Duval School Police officers are certified and receive year-round training. School guardians and contracted security must complete a 144-hour training program with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
“The guardians and security personnel at the school are well-trained and well-equipped to keep the students safe,” said Chief Short. “The firearms training they receive meets or exceeds what is required by state law.”
On-campus safety and security
Families can expect the following safety and security measures at our schools:
Weapons Detection Systems. New CEIA OPENGATE systems will begin being installed in elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year. Approximately 30 schools will be equipped each year until all elementary schools have the technology. These are the same systems found in our middle schools and are similar to the EVOLV weapons detector systems in our high schools.
School Hardening. Security improvements funded through the half-penny sales tax include identification-controlled door access systems, radio access, improved fencing and lighting, and camera surveillance.
Sheltering Spaces. Florida law requires clearly marked sheltering spaces (also known as hard corners) be identified for students at every school.
Locked Doors. In accordance with state law, all school classroom doors must remain locked while students are inside.
Surveillance Cameras. Cameras have been updated to interface with the City of Jacksonville, allowing the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to connect and view live district camera footage when needed.
K9 Unit. School Police currently work with five K9s—Penny, Maverick, Daisy, Rooster, and Drake.
Emergency Alert System. All district employees and contracted employees have access to CENTEGIX, an emergency alert system. This system gives employees the ability to call school lockdowns or alert law enforcement by pressing a button on wearable badges.
Regular emergency drills and training. Schools conduct regular emergency drills and training exercises throughout the year, often in partnership with local law enforcement. This includes lockdown drills and active shooter protocol.
School lockdowns and lockouts
Throughout the school year, schools may occasionally enter a lockdown or lockout in response to safety concerns (formerly code reds and code yellows) in response to safety concerns.
A lockdown is used when there may be an imminent threat on or near campus.
A lockout is a precautionary measure typically used when a potential threat exists in the surrounding area.
While specific procedures are not shared publicly for security reasons, both measures restrict entry and exit from campus to help protect students and staff.
Game day protocols
District security measures also extend to athletic events.
For major events, School Police work closely with school administrators and local law enforcement to develop security plans. In addition, all athletic tickets are sold electronically through GoFan, which provides attendees with event rules and expectations, including prohibited items and behaviors.
Involving the community in district safety
Despite the district's extensive safety measures, Chief Short emphasizes that safety is a shared responsibility.
"One of the very best defenses we have against threats to school safety is ‘See Something, Say Something.’ Parents, students, staff, and the community should share information that they have. If it's concerning to them, then it's concerning to us," he said. "What may seem trivial to a parent could be the one missing piece of the puzzle that helps investigators tie everything together."
Short encourages anyone with security concerns to report these immediately to school staff, School Police, local law enforcement, or through the FortifyFL app and website.