Safety and Security

There are numerous changes and improvements the district has made throughout the years to enhance our layers of security to keep our students safe. We have an ongoing Safety Committee comprised of community officials, emergency responders, district personnel, parents and community members that meets regularly to identify and implement district safeguards.  

ALICE logo

Oxford Community Schools is contracted with the ALICE Training Institute for active shooter training for our district personnel and is working to become an ALICE Certified District.  ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training began in late March 2018 for all school employees.  This program encompasses training through both an online certification course for each staff member and live group instruction for active shooter drills.  The live active drill is led by certified ALICE trainers and will allow staff to put their knowledge into action by working through scenarios and drills. 

ALICE goes beyond just minimal governmental recommendations by including the Alert and Inform training so those in harm’s way can make good decisions. Equipping with proper information teaches individuals to participate in their own survival, while leading others to safety. The ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) acronym provides knowledge with purpose:

  • The purpose of ALERT is your first notification of danger.
  • The purpose of LOCKDOWN is to secure in place, and prepare to EVACUATE or COUNTER, if needed.
  • The purpose of INFORM is communicate the violent intruder’s location and direction in real time.
  • The purpose of COUNTER is to create Noise, Movement, Distance and Distraction with the intent of reducing the shooter’s ability to shoot accurately. Counter is NOT fighting.
  • The purpose of EVACUATE is to remove yourself from the danger zone when it is safe to do so.


Oakland County Sheriff deputies are assigned to patrol each school location in the district. These regular, random visits create a greater police presence and ensure the officers are familiar with our schools.

The district has Aiphone video intercom systems at each building’s main entry point. This system requires guests to be buzzed into the buildings during school hours in an effort to increase building security.  

We continue to encourage the use of OK2SAY district-wide. OK2SAY allows anyone to confidentially report tips on criminal activities or potential harm directed at Michigan students, school employees, or schools.

The list below indicates areas in which the district has invested to provide the safest and best learning environment. Our team continues to review and enhance these initiatives. However, this work does not end. It is ongoing and ever-changing. With that said, you are one of our most important layers of safety. Communication is the most powerful tool we can use. 

Keep an open line of communication between you and your child.  Please, make sure your child knows they must tell a trusted adult immediately if they feel their school is threatened in any way. Additionally, talk with your child about emergency procedures for home and for school, monitor your child’s social media use, and keep all firearms secure. 

We need the help of the entire community to keep our schools safe. Please report any concerning information to your child’s school or use the OK2SAY resources: call 1-855-565-2729, text 652729, email [email protected], or visit their website www.mi.gov/ok2say.

OCS District Safety and Security Measures
     • Exterior doors secured during school hours with designated building entry point(s)
     • Aiphone video intercom system(s) at all building main entry doors 
     • Alarm systems on all buildings
     • District issued identification badges for all staff
     • School Gate Guardian system to check and issue badges for all building visitors    
     • NIGHTLOCK interior door security and door shades
     • Shatter resistance 3-M window film on window with the most vulnerability in the district
     • Fortis Group armed security guards at all school buildings

     • Evolv weapons detection system at middle and high school
     • ZeroEyes at every school campus
     • Weapons detection dog primarily serving the high school 
     • Digital ID card readers at high school
     •  Mass notification system district-wide
     •  Armed district security personnel at middle and high school
     •  District threat assessment and communication protocol

     
•  GoGuardian software
     •  Gaggle Software
     •  Providing and requiring clear backpacks for secondary students


Emergency Preparedness
     • Emergency drill procedures for lockdown, fire, and tornado 
     • Crisis/Emergency plans  
     • ALICE Training for all staff
     • Door numbering on exterior doors for emergency responders
     • Safety Committee meetings to assess and plan safety protocol

Student Support in our Schools    
     • OK2SAY campaign - district-wide

     • IB character education - district-wide
     • Bully prevention programming (Olweus) - district-wide
     • Social workers, psychologists, and family school liaisons - district-wide
     • Youth Assistance - district-wide
     • Counselors - middle and high school
     • Oxford Wildcat Pack Therapy Facility Dogs

      
Oakland County Sheriff
     • Assigned site patrols
     • Two District School Resource Officers
 
    • Presence at Oxford events
     • Explosives and drug trained K9 presence throughout the district

Allison Willemin
Executive Director of School Safety, Operational Technology and Student Services
Email 
248.969.5166

Jim Vernier
School Safety Administrator
Email
248.969.7009

Jim Rourke
OHS Security Specialist
Email

Bob Backland
OMS Security Specialist