Dallas ISD Safety Layers

Dallas ISD employs a multi-layered approach to school safety, designed to protect students, staff, and visitors at every level of the school environment. These layers work together to create a secure and responsive safety framework:

Outer Safety Layer
This includes perimeter security such as fencing, gates, surveillance systems, and patrol coverage. It serves as the first line of defense to deter unauthorized access and monitor external threats.
Entry Safety Layer
Focused on controlled access points like main entrances, visitor check-in systems, metal detectors, and staff presence. This layer ensures that only authorized individuals enter the building.
School Safety Layer
Encompasses internal protocols such as emergency drills, staff training, hallway monitoring, and classroom security measures. It ensures that safety is maintained throughout the school day.
Student Safety Layer
Prioritizes the well-being of students through supervision, conflict resolution, mental health support, and peer engagement. This layer fosters a safe and supportive learning environment.

DALLAS ISD SAFETY & SECURITY LAYERS

Outer Safety/Security Layers

The outer safety/security layer implements safety measures that impact the surroundings and exterior areas of a school facility.

Outer Security Technology
Security Cameras
Exterior and interior digital camera systems
Card Access Systems
Card access system monitors, manages, and grants physical access to particular areas of a school building

To request or replace a key card, contact accesscontrols@dallasisd.org

Intercom/Door buzzer

Digital video/audio system at the main entry to authenticate visitors
Keyless Pads
System of card reader-controlled exterior and interior doors

Entry Safety/Security Layers

The entry safety/security layer includes safety procedures for visitors, safety personnel, and policies that enforce security at the entry level of a school building

1: Vestibule

A vestibule is an enclosed area between the outside door of a building and the inside door. Its purpose is to limit free egress to visitors to the main hallways. Main entry and multiple secondary entries built as secure vestibules

Intercom/Door buzzer

Digital video/audio system at the main entry to authenticate visitors

Keyless Pads

System of card reader-controlled exterior and interior doors

2: Visitor Management System

The Raptor system (including scanner and printer) must be installed and operational.

All visitors must present a photo ID to obtain a visitor badge. A form of identification must be visible, dated, and have the destination and/or person being visited.

School Safety/Security Layers

The school-safety/security layer introduces safety processes that affect the school-wide setting

1: Campus Emergency Operations Plan

The Campus Emergency Operations Plan must be completed by September 2026

2: Threat Assessment Team & Threat Reporting

The School-Based Threat Assessment Team must be trained and certified
Counselors can submit the Risk of Violence Questionnaire or Suicide Risk Assessment. Administrators can begin the threat assessment process if the threat is moderate or high

3: Classroom Safety

Classrooms have window shades or blinds
Classrooms with windows in the doors should have a way to cover the window if needed for a lockdown

4: Classroom Doors

Classroom instruction should be conducted with doors locked but open

Student Safety/Security Layers

The student-safety/security layer introduces initiatives that affect every student in Dallas ISD. In this layer, we introduce two tools that students have access to for reporting threats

1: Crime Stopper Tool

The district’s Campus Crime Stopper program offers rewards for reporting criminal and code of conduct violations and is a partnership between the Dallas ISD Police Department and the North Texas Crime Commission

2: Anonymous Reporting Tool

The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System enables students to anonymously report an issue 24/7/365 through an app, hotline, or website when they see a classmate at risk of harming themselves or others