School Safety
Hamilton Southeastern Schools takes the safety of its students and staff seriously, and fostering safe and supportive learning environments is our top priority.
The Fishers Police Department and Hamilton Southeastern Schools have a shared mission to ensure the safety of students while they are at school. Specially trained School Resource Officers and School Safety Officers employed by the Fishers Police Department are assigned to HSE Schools, and their offices are located throughout the buildings. These carefully selected, specifically trained, and properly equipped officers spend their entire day supporting the school safety mission of HSE Schools. The officers interact with students, staff, and administration daily to build relationships that help further that safety mission. The primary mission of the SRO is to help provide a safe learning environment by mentoring, teaching, and building strong relationships. Our SROs are sworn Fishers Police Officers and have full police authority while inside our buildings.
Resources
- ALICE Training
- Background Checks (Visiting and Volunteering)
- Behavioral Threat Assessment
- Emergency Drills
- Frequently Asked Questions
- HSE Report It! (Anonymous Reporting App)
- Inclement Weather
- Resource Officers
- Safety Levels
- Seclusion and Restraint Plan
- School Safety Specialists
ALICE Training
HSE Schools officials and school resource officers conduct crisis response training for their staff and students based upon the concepts of ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate). The training focuses on various courses of action that would help participants most effectively respond to a crisis situation. This options-based training highlights situational awareness and decision making. No single response fits all crisis scenarios, however making sure each individual knows his or her options for response will help staff and students react effectively. You can view the video below that is used to train HSE staff as well as junior high and high school students.
Background Checks (Visiting and Volunteering)
SafeVisitor Background Check
A SafeVisitor background check is required for anyone who visits any HSE school, including family members of students. Examples of activities in the schools where visitors will need a completed SafeVisitor background check are:
- Classroom Volunteers/Helpers/Room Parents
- Field Trip Chaperones (Please contact the building for information regarding overnight field trip chaperone, extensive background checks).
A visitor/volunteer background check through SafeVisitor is valid for three-years at any HSE school. The cost for the background check is $12.95 and includes a national screening process against the following: National Criminal Database, National Sex Offender Registry, Statewide Criminal, County Criminal and Federal Criminal Courts. Please note, the background check process may take 5 to 7 business days to complete.
How To Obtain Your SafeVisitor Badge
NOTE: Please complete the following steps using a COMPUTER, not a tablet or phone.
1. WATCH the SafeVisitor video overview - click the BLUE box labeled "Step ONE - SafeVisitor Overview"
2. VISIT the SafeVistor website – click the BLUE box labeled "Step TWO - SafeVisitor Website" and follow the steps as prompted. After completing the application, you must watch the required Anti-Bullying Training Webinar. Electronic acknowledgement is required after viewing in order to proceed with the criminal history application.
1. WATCH the SafeVisitor video overview - click the BLUE box labeled "Step ONE - SafeVisitor Overview"
2. VISIT the SafeVistor website – click the BLUE box labeled "Step TWO - SafeVisitor Website" and follow the steps as prompted. After completing the application, you must watch the required Anti-Bullying Training Webinar. Electronic acknowledgement is required after viewing in order to proceed with the criminal history application.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have filled out a background check for HSE Schools in the past and you are unsure whether it has expired, please contact Brandy Crawford at bcrawford@hse.k12.in.us. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH WHEN INQUIRING.
If your background check has expired or you have never submitted a background check, please visit SafeVisitor website to begin the process.
Once your background check is approved, watch for a badge notification in your inbox from “info@safevisitorsolutions.com.” Your badge will be attached as a PDF. You may print it, save it on your phone or download the SafeVisitor mobile app. A photo will be required and added upon your first visit to any school.
STEP ONE - SafeVisitor Overview
STEP TWO - SafeVisitor's Website
Behavioral Threat Assessment
Behavioral Threat Assessment
The safety and well-being of all students is our top priority. Schools are places for learning, growth, and connection, and ensuring a safe environment is essential for every child to thrive. Indiana state law (IC 10-21-1-10) requires all school corporations to implement a Behavioral Threat Assessment Team to systematically identify, assess, and intervene to support students who may pose a threat to themselves or others. This law ensures schools use standardized, evidence-based procedures and a multi-disciplinary team to enhance safety while focusing on intervention and support rather than punishment. We initiate threat assessments in response to a variety of concerns, including statements, behaviors, social interactions, social media activity, and anonymous tips.
What is a Behavioral Threat Assessment?
A behavioral threat assessment is a systematic process used to identify, evaluate, and address threats or concerning behaviors that may pose a risk to the safety of students and staff. The goal is to intervene early and provide support to prevent violence or harm.
Key Steps
- Identification: Recognizing behaviors or statements that may indicate a potential threat.
- Inquiry: Gathering information from various sources to understand the context and seriousness of the threat.
- Assessment: Evaluating the information to determine the level of concern.
- Management: Developing and implementing strategies to mitigate the threat and provide support to the individual involved.
What a Behavioral Threat Assessment is NOT
- Not Punitive: The primary goal is prevention and support, not punishment.
- Not Predictive: It does not predict future behavior with certainty but assesses the risk based on current information with the intent to provide interventions and supports to address student concerns and assist the family.
*While disciplinary actions may be part of the response, the focus of threat assessment is on providing help and resources to address underlying issues.
Multi-Disciplinary Behavioral Threat Assessment Team
A multi-disciplinary behavioral threat assessment team is a group of professionals from various fields who collaborate to identify, assess, and manage potential threats to school safety. These teams typically include:
-
School Administrators: Provide leadership and ensure policies are followed.
- School Resource Officers (SROs): Ensure safety and provide a law enforcement perspective.
- School Psychologists, School Counselors, and School Social Workers: Offer insights into student behavior and mental health, identify underlying concerns, and assist in developing the mental health support plan.
- Special Education Staff: Ensure that protection and support in place for students with disabilities are followed and included.
- Teachers: Provide observations and insights from daily interactions with students.
- School Safety Specialists: School safety specialists and members of the building safety team may assist with assessments from a school safety perspective.
- Community Representatives: Include outside mental health professionals, law enforcement, medical personnel, and other relevant community members.
- Student and Parent: Parents provide important information and insights into their child's behavior, emotional well-being, and any external factors that may be impacting them. Students may be asked to explain their intentions, experiences, and any challenges they are facing to help them better understand the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of a behavioral threat assessment?
- What may cause a threat assessment to be initiated?**
- How are threats identified?
- What happens if a threat is identified?
- Are parents notified if their child is involved in a full assessment?
- How is the confidentiality of the process maintained?
- What resources are available for students involved in a full assessment?
What is the purpose of a behavioral threat assessment?
A threat assessment is a systematic, fact-based process emphasizing an appraisal of observed (or reasonably observable) behaviors to identify potentially disruptive, dangerous, or violent situations, assess them, and manage/address them.
The purpose is to identify and address potential threats to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff by intervening early and providing necessary support.
What may cause a threat assessment to be initiated?**
Threats: Explicit statements or actions indicating an intent to harm oneself or others. This can include verbal threats, written notes, or social media posts. Threats may include direct threats, transient threats or substantive threats.
Concerning Behavior: Examples of concerning behavior include significant changes in behavior, increased aggression, withdrawal, or erratic actions. This might also include possession of weapons/look alike weapons, a concerning fascination with weapons, social media posts that demonstrate access to weapons, artwork or writing assignments that illustrate or support violent behavior, or violent events including arrests or criminal behavior.
Mental Health Concerns: Signs of severe emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation, may lead to a threat assessment to ensure the student receives appropriate support.
Other: Bullying and Harassment, Substance Abuse, Social Isolation, Academic Decline and anonymous tips may also be factors that influence the Behavioral Threat Assessment process.
**This list is intended to be a guide and not to serve as an all-inclusive list. Additionally, behaviors on or off school grounds may initiate a behavioral threat assessment.
How are threats identified?
What happens if a threat is identified?
The team conducts an initial inquiry typically referred to as a screener. Through this process, the team gathers information. If a more serious threat is identified, the team follows a structured process referred to as a full assessment. The full assessment is intended to assess the situation and determine the appropriate response. This will include understanding a level of concern and collaboratively developing an intervention plan to support the individual involved.
Are parents notified if their child is involved in a full assessment?
How is the confidentiality of the process maintained?
What resources are available for students involved in a full assessment?
Emergency Drills
Drills are an important aspect of school safety and will be used as teachable moments for our staff and students. Indiana Code requires each school to conduct monthly fire drills, one severe weather drill per semester, and one man-made occurrence drill per semester. The made occurrence drill is also referred to as an Armed Assailant Drill. These armed assailant drills are conducted at the building level and will be conducted at a minimum of once per semester. It is important to note that all armed assailant drills are conducted in an age-appropriate manner utilizing evidence based best practices as prescribed in the ALiCE Program as well as by the National Association of School Resource Officers. In addition, our schools have established strong partnership with local first responders and often have a law enforcement presence at the school during our drills. It should also be noted that, just like any other day, mental health supports are always available to our students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a School Resource Officer?
A school resource officer (SRO) is a carefully selected, specifically trained, and properly equipped law enforcement officer with sworn authority, trained in school-based law enforcement and crisis response. HSE SROs are employed and assigned by the Fishers Police Department and are fully sworn and certified police officers.
What training does a School Resource Officer receive?
A school resource officer (SRO) is a fully sworn and certified law enforcement officer. That means that an SRO is a graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. SROs receive additional training specific to school-based law enforcement. Our SROs receive training from the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO).
The NASRO Basic School Resource Officer Course is a forty-hour training session designed to prepare law enforcement officers, and school safety professionals to effectively fulfill their role in the school setting. Participants gain a solid understanding of the responsibilities of the SRO using NASRO's Triad Model of school-based policing. This course will equip officers to develop successful relationships with diverse students and to support students with disabilities and behavioral health challenges. Participants will explore relevant public safety topics, such as digital safety, human trafficking, mental health, and substance abuse, and they will learn best practices for de-escalation, behavioral threat assessment, emergency operations planning, and armed assailant response.
Additionally, HSE SROs are trained as Indiana School Safety Specialists by the Indiana Department of Education. The school-based training is in addition to the general and individualized training the officers receive as police officers.
For more information on school-based SRO training, follow the links below:
Do School Resource Officers contribute to a school-to-prison pipeline?
No. HSE SROs are carefully selected, specially trained officers who follow best practices that do not arrest students for disciplinary issues that would be handled by teachers and/or administrators if the SROs were not there. On the
contrary, SROs help troubled students avoid involvement with the juvenile justice system. In fact, wide acceptance of the above mentioned NASRO best practices is one reason that the rates of juvenile arrests throughout the U.S. fell during a period when the proliferation of SROs increased (see To Protect and Educate: The School Resource Officer and the Prevention of Violence in Schools).
Can a school official, administrator or police officer ask a student questions without a parent present?
School officials/administrators can question students at school without a parent or guardian being present. When school administrators are investigating matters of school discipline, there are responsibilities that include finding out what has happened and who has been impacted. There is no requirement that parents should be contacted when school officials are investigating matters at school. School Resource Officers are not to be involved in enforcing matters of school discipline. They may however serve as a resource, mentors or role models as these matters are dealt with.
If a student is suspended and/or expelled for activity which would be a crime if committed by an adult, Hamilton Southeastern Schools, may notify the appropriate law enforcement agencies if merited. This communication is detailed in section 25 of the student handbook and is generally limited to the school resource officers that are assigned to the school building. When determining if it is merited to share this information, it should be noted that this is reserved for situations such as a drug related offense or where another person is a victim, such as a student attack. There is no requirement that parents are to be notified when this information is shared. (D.Z. v. State, 100 N.E.3d 246 (Ind. 2018))
When any police officer is questioning or interrogating a student related to a criminal offense, AND that student is in custody (or based on their age does not feel free to leave) parents shall be notified prior to questioning. (B.A. v. State, 100 N.E.3d 225 (Ind. 2018))
Students arrested at school is a rare occurrence and reserved as a last resort in situations whenever possible. School Resource Officers have the most success when they work to help students avoid involvement with the juvenile justice system. In fact, an effective School Resource Officer program will result in fewer juvenile arrests as opposed to more criminal charges. (see To Protect and Educate: The School Resource Officer and the Prevention of Violence in Schools).
Can a student be searched at school?
Generally, any item that is considered property of the school can be searched without letting the student or the parent know. School staff can also give permission to the police to look in your locker or desk, even though you use it.
When it comes to your body and property, there are rules that must be followed. Which rules apply depends on who is doing the search.
School staff may search a student if there is “reasonable suspicion” that the search will turn up evidence that the student broke a school rule. This means that staff have more than a hunch that the student did something wrong before the search can happen. The search must be:
- Justified at its inception (when it starts), and
- Reasonable in scope (how it is done)
School Resource Officers that are assigned to schools are like school staff and follow the “reasonable suspicion” rule. Police officers that are working in conjunction with a school official are also bound by “reasonable suspicion.” An “outside” officer that is not part of the daily educational operations of the school are not considered a school official and therefor required to meet the higher standard of probable cause.
HSE Report It! (Anonymous Reporting App)
Submit A Tip 24/7
HSE Report It! is a school safety mobile reporting app that allows students, staff, and community members to provide anonymous information about concerns for their own safety or the safety of others. It’s anonymous and reports are made exclusively through the mobile app. HSE Report it! has no length limitations or the need to remember a short code. Reporters can attach photos, screenshots, videos, documents and/or audio recordings to their concerns and they can engage in a two-way dialogue with a real person.
What You Can Report
- Bullying
- Cyberbullying or Cyber Abuse
- Harassment
- Violence, Threats, or Weapons Possession
- Alcohol or Drug-related Issues
- Discrimination
Download with Access Code: "hsereportit"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What student information does the school or user need to provide to utilize HSE Report It!?
None. HSE Report It! does not require any end-user information whatsoever. Your child will authenticate using the district access code (hsereportit), which is the same code as their peers, so they all remain anonymous. Information provided by HSE Report It! app users is also kept private and secure.
Q: Is it really anonymous? Can the school find out who my child is through the HSE Report It app?
HSE Report It! is truly anonymous. The school has no ability to identify the submitter of a report or message. At their discretion, an end user may choose to voluntarily provide identifying information in the content of their report or message.
Q: Can HSE Report It! be used by children under the age of 13?
The app (and its browser-based version) may be used by children under the age of 13. Parents may contact their student's school administration with questions.
Q: What types of behavior or activity is supposed to be reported with HSE Report It!?
HSE Report It! is completely anonymous and may be used to report incidents of bullying, violence, weapons possession, sexual harassment, discrimination, inappropriate online behavior or threats.
Q: Who receives the reports my child submits via Report It!?
All submissions will be received by designated school and district administrators as well as trained STOPit personnel.
Q: Can I as a parent use the app to report incidents?
Both students and parents can access the HSE Report It! app by downloading it to their phone and signing up using the access code hsereportit.
Inclement Weather
Decision-Making Process
Q: How is the decision made to delay or close school for inclement weather?
A: Our transportation director and staff begin evaluating road conditions as early as 4:30 a.m., consulting with weather agencies and local municipal crews. The superintendent considers multiple factors, including weather forecasts, road safety, and wind chill, before deciding.
Q: Why aren’t school delays/closures decided the night before?
A: The weather in Central Indiana can change rapidly and is often unpredictable. While we aim to make decisions as early as possible, waiting until the morning ensures we have accurate, real-time information about road and weather conditions. This approach helps us prioritize the safety of students and staff.
Notification Channels
Q: Where will information be posted regarding school delays and closures?
A: Notifications will be sent via ParentSquare (call, text, and email) and posted on:
- Website: www.hseschools.org
- X (formerly Twitter): @HSESchools / @HSETransport
- Facebook/Instagram: HSE Schools
- Local Media: WTHR, WISH-TV, Fox 59, CBS 4, WRTV
Two-Hour Delays
Q: When will a two-hour delay be issued?
A: Delays may be issued for snow, ice, or extreme cold. This allows buses to operate safely and provides additional time for road crews to prepare routes.
Q: How does a two-hour delay affect school transportation and operations?
- Buses will run two hours behind regular schedules.
- School buildings open two hours later than usual.
- AM Preschool and AM HSF Academy classes will be canceled.
- Breakfast is not served, but lunch and school dismissal remain on schedule.
eLearning Days
Q: What type of instruction will occur if school is closed due to inclement weather or another emergency?
A: In the event of an emergency school closure, HSE Schools will use an asynchronous eLearning Day.
- Lessons will be interactive and aligned to the current curriculum.
- Teachers will post all eLearning content to Canvas by 9:00 a.m.
- PK–4: eLearning will be communicated in the eLearning section of the teacher’s Canvas course.
- Grades 5–12: eLearning will be communicated in the Announcements section of Canvas.
As a general guideline, eLearning activities should take 20–30 minutes per class/content area. At the PK–4 level, where learning often blends across subjects, teachers will communicate approximate completion times.
Please note: If the district reaches more than three emergency closure days, HSE Schools will transition to synchronous (live) virtual instruction for any additional closures. Students will follow a 9:00 a.m. start and join live classes through Microsoft Teams following their regular daily schedule. Detailed guidance will be provided if this becomes necessary.
Q: How will students access assignments?
- PK-4: Check the "eLearning" section of the teacher’s Canvas course.
- 5-12: Assignments will appear in the "Announcements" section of Canvas.
Q: What if my student does not have their device or internet access?
A: Students can use any available device and internet connection (e.g., library, friend’s house) to complete assignments/activities.
Q: How will attendance be taken on eLearning Days?
A: Attendance is based on students logging into Canvas on the eLearning Day.
Q: Will eLearning work be graded?
A: Teachers will determine whether assignments count toward grades.
After-School Activities
Q: Will after-school activities be canceled if school is closed?
A: Check your school’s website/social media channels or contact coaches/club sponsors for updates.
Other Questions
Q: Why do other districts delay/close while HSE does not?
A: Road conditions vary across districts. HSE decisions are based on specific conditions within our territory.
Q: Why does my neighborhood seem safe, but school is delayed/closed?
A: Our district includes diverse terrains, some with challenging rural or hilly areas. We prioritize the safety of all bus routes.
Q: My neighborhood’s roads are slick – why wasn’t school delayed/closed?
A: Conditions vary. Families are encouraged to drive cautiously in their areas if conditions are hazardous.
Resource Officers
Lt. Kevin Kobil
Unit Commander
Sgt. Chris Owens
West Supervisor/FHS
Sgt. Pierre Berry
East Supervisor/HSE
Ofc. Dave Pyle
FOCUS and FHSE Academy
Ofc. Kevin Sutton
TCE, DCE, and SES
Ofc. Alicia Ahnert
FJH and CRE
Ofc. Adam Shanks
BSE, FCE, and FES
Ofc. Matt Madden
LRE, SCE, and HRE
Ofc. Kyle Johns
FHS
Ofc. Brandon Noel
HSE
Ofc. Alex Clausius
NBE, HPE, and FES
Ofc. Greg Dewald
FCI
Ofc. Shane Stephens
SCI
Ofc. Jeff Krider
FCJ
Ofc. Al Gomez
RSI and RJH
Ofc. Scott Spillman
HIJ
Safety Levels
Normal Daily Operations
This is how we operate every day.
Heightened Awareness.
Police activity and/or safety concern in the area. No reported threat on campus.
- Normal operations inside building.
- No outside activities for students.
- Visitors may enter/exit building.
Shelter In Place!
Police activity and/or safety concern affecting the campus.
- No outside activities for students.
- Stay in classrooms and/or safe areas.
- Hallways need to be cleared.
- No visitors may enter/exit building.
Lockdown!
Threat reported on campus and/or in building.
- Run, Hide, Fight
- Follow ALICE protocol
- Alert
- Lockdown
- Inform
- Counter or
- Evacuate
Seclusion and Restraint Plan
HSE SECLUSION AND RESTRAINT PLAN - INDIANA COMMISSION ON SECLUSION AND RESTRAINT IN SCHOOLS
The purpose of the HSE Seclusion and Restrain Plan is to ensure that all students and staff are safe in school, and that students who may have behavior crises are free from inappropriate use of seclusion or restraint. The HSE Seclusion and Restraint Plan is written in accordance with Indiana Code 20-20-40 et. al. which provides for the creation of the Commission on Restraint and Seclusion in Schools, a commission that provides guidance to schools regarding the limited use of either seclusion or restraint and believes that schools should provide a safe and healthy environment in which Indiana’s students can learn, develop, and participate in instructional programs that promote high levels of academic achievement. The Commission on Seclusion and Restraint in schools was created by the 2013 Indiana General Assembly. The Commission was assembled to draft rules regarding the limited use of either seclusion or restraint by schools. In addition, the Commission is charged with creating a model plan to aid schools in the creation of school specific plans that must, at a minimum, include the requirements listed in Indiana Code 20-20-40-13. The HSE plan also contains an appendix of definitions and a list of resources for schools for support and training.
Behavioral interventions for students must ensure the right of all students to be treated with Dignity and Respect. All students have the right to be free from physical or mental abuse, aversive behavioral interventions that compromise health and safety, and any physical restraint or seclusion imposed solely for purposes of discipline, punishment, or convenience. Seclusion or restraint shall not be used as routine school safety measures; that is, they shall not be implemented except in situations where a student’s behavior or action poses imminent danger of physical harm to self or others and not as a routine strategy implemented to address instructional problems or inappropriate behavior (e.g., disrespect, noncompliance, insubordination, out of seat), as a means of coercion or retaliation. Any use of either seclusion or restraint shall be supervised, short in duration and used only for the purposes of de-escalating the behavior. The plan applies to all students regardless of the existence of a disability.
School Safety Specialists
Indiana Code requires each school corporation to have a certified school safety specialist, however, HSE Schools have gone beyond this minimum requirement and has over fifty certified school safety specialists that are spread across all of our buildings. Safety specialists complete a five-day basic training sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education in conjunction with the Indiana Criminal Institute focusing on the fundamentals of school safety. Each specialist also completes two additional days of training each year to keep up to date with state and national best practices.