A Bold New Era for School Safety: Cheektowaga Central Trades Officers for Unarmed Security

In a pioneering move reflecting a growing national conversation around school safety and student well-being, the Cheektowaga Central School District is embarking on a significant shift: removing all police officers from its buildings and replacing them with unarmed security personnel. This decision, approved by the school board, aims to foster a more inclusive and less intimidating environment for its diverse student body, particularly addressing concerns raised by students of color.

Superintendent Mary Kathryn Morris championed the change, emphasizing a proactive approach to student support rather than a reactive, enforcement-heavy model.

The district's leadership has openly discussed the apprehension some students, especially those from marginalized communities, feel in the presence of armed law enforcement officers. This can lead to decreased trust, reluctance to report issues, and a general feeling of being policed rather than protected.

The initiative began with a pilot program this past spring, which saw the introduction of unarmed security guards working in tandem with the existing police presence.

The success of this trial period, coupled with extensive community feedback and data analysis, solidified the district’s conviction that this new direction is not only viable but preferable. The unarmed guards are envisioned as mentors and community builders, trained to de-escalate conflicts and connect with students on a personal level, providing a visible yet approachable layer of safety.

This transformative decision hasn't been without debate.

While many parents, educators, and community advocates applaud the district's progressive stance, some have voiced concerns about the potential decrease in immediate response capabilities to severe threats. However, the district maintains that its comprehensive safety plan, including robust emergency protocols and continued collaboration with local law enforcement for external responses, remains paramount.

The focus is on prevention and a supportive environment, rather than an armed presence as the primary deterrent.

Cheektowaga Central’s board voted 5-2 to formalize this change, demonstrating a clear commitment to reshaping the perception of security within school walls. This move positions Cheektowaga Central as a frontrunner in reimagining school safety, prioritizing student mental health and a nurturing educational atmosphere over a traditional, often criticized, policing model.

It signals a belief that genuine safety stems from trust, community engagement, and a supportive presence, rather than just uniforms and firearms.