October 23, 2024 - We are excited to introduce Vaughn Crane, the new Director of School Safety and Security for Hamilton County Schools, who joined us in August. With over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including significant time in campus safety, Crane brings a lot of insight and passion for protecting our schools. In this Q&A, we learn more about him, his background, and his goals for the continuation of school safety in our district.
Q: Can you describe your role?
A: I am the Director of School Safety and Security, and my role involves ensuring the safety and security of all campuses across the district, managing emergency preparedness, and helping staff be prepared for emergencies.
Q: What’s a typical day like for you, or is every day different?
A: There’s really no typical day—it’s a mix of office work and responding to whatever is happening outside the walls. I respond to major events—threats of mass violence, weapons, and anything that rises to a certain level of concern. It could also be something like traffic issues at a school or helping schools improve evacuation plans. Supervisors handle a lot too, but I try to acclimate myself to what’s happening out there.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your background and experience in safety and security?
A: I’ve been a police officer for almost 30 years, with the majority of that time in campus safety, either at the high school or college level. I also have a master’s degree in criminal justice and teach college courses part-time. I spent about 10 years as an educator, teaching public safety and criminal justice to high school students.
Q: What are your primary goals for improving safety and security in our school district?
A: My main goal is to standardize safety and security practices across all campuses. I want to provide support tailored to the specific needs of each school and support staff in implementing safety and security measures as well as be more involved in training them on best practices.
Q: Can parents, students, and staff expect any changes or improvements in the coming months?
A: We’ll be doubling down on what’s already working. Our hybrid model we have now, which integrates our security with the local sheriff’s department, is very effective and the best model there is, and we plan to strengthen that relationship further.
Q: How do you plan to balance physical security measures with creating a welcoming school environment?
A: Overall, I think we are doing a great job at this already and its happening at the school level. We are making sure we maintain a certain level of inaccessibility but also balancing that with the fact that these are community schools. It’s important to communicate to people, especially parents, and educate them on why we do what we do. We have great School Safety Officers (SSOs) who are happy to have parent meetings to build trust and understanding.
Q: What would you tell parents who want to know more about our security measures?
A: They can always reach out to their school’s security officer or the district’s school safety officer and make an appointment to talk with them, and they’re welcome to call my office as well. However, we don’t share specific details about how we respond to threats. This is to ensure that potential threats cannot plan against our protocols.
Q: What are the requirements to become an SSO (School Safety Officer)?
A: SSOs are highly educated and trained individuals, many with backgrounds in SWAT, law enforcement, or security. About 70% of them come from prior law enforcement. They’re not only skilled in security but are also deeply involved with the students, always showing enthusiasm and care. They are all incredibly capable, dedicated, always stepping up when needed, and committed to making a difference.
Q: Are there any innovative safety programs or policies you’re excited to implement?
A: We’re always exploring new technologies. Recently, we sent three team members to ALERT training to become certified instructors. This will allow us to train our staff in responding to threats more effectively.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in safety and security?
A: I’ve always been a problem-solver. There’s a calling in me to help others, and this role allows me to do that on a larger scale, keeping students and staff safe.
Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about school safety?
A: The biggest misconception is that Hamilton County Schools are unsafe. In reality, schools are not dangerous places. Our schools in Hamilton County are safer than ever before, and parents can trust that their children are in good hands.
Q: If you had to describe your approach to safety in a few words, what would they be?
A: Engagement, Communication, and Educated Response. We don’t rush into situations; we assess them carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.
For more information on school safety reach out to your school’s SRO/SSO, or to contact the Director of School Safety and Security, please reach out to Vaughn Crane.