Safety/Security Initiative
At Cumberland County Schools (CCS), the safety and security of our students, staff and visitors are our top priorities. As we prepare for the 2025-2026 school year, we are reminding everyone about several key measures that were previously implemented to enhance the safety of our school environments. This includes the use of advanced weapons detection systems, visitor management protocols, anonymous reporting systems and comprehensive agreements with local law enforcement for School Resource Officers (SROs). Here’s a brief overview of these important safety initiatives:
Weapons Detection Systems for 2025-2026 School Year
Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is continuing use of the state-of-the-art OPENGATE weapons detection systems in schools for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Key Information for Families:
Use: Portable and non-intrusive OPENGATE screeners are currently installed at designated entry points in each school.
Morning Screening: During morning arrival times, OPENGATE systems are stationed at key entry points to screen students as they enter the school.
Daytime Monitoring: After morning screening, the systems are moved to the main school’s entrance to monitor visitor entry throughout the day. They can also detect vapes and other contraband and will be used for spot checks, as needed.
Staffing: Each OPENGATE system is managed by 2-3 school personnel to ensure an efficient screening process.
Exceptions: Schools located on the campuses of Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College do not have OPENGATE weapons detection systems installed.
These measures are part of CCS' ongoing efforts to enhance school safety and create a secure environment for students, staff and visitors.
Raptor Security at CCS Schools: Visitor Management
Raptor VisitorSafe uses advanced ID scanning technology to verify visitor identities. All visitors must present a government or state-issued ID. When scanned, the visitor's information is instantly checked against the sex offender registry and custom databases, such as those with custody orders and banned visitor status. If a match is found, school officials are immediately alerted. The system logs all visitor data for efficient tracking and reporting, providing a secure and streamlined check-in process for parents, volunteers and contractors.
Say Something Anonymous Reporting System
Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a national nonprofit, developed the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS). This system allows Cumberland County Schools (CCS) youth and adults to securely submit anonymous safety concerns. It helps school administrators and law enforcement create effective interventions to prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm and other forms of threatening behavior.
Designed for students in grades 6-12, SS-ARS provides three reporting platforms: a mobile app, website and 24/7 phone hotline. When credible tips are received, the crisis center notifies school-based representatives. In cases of an imminent threat, the crisis center will contact local 911 dispatch and involve law enforcement.
Use the information below to report a safety concern today:
Say Something Website: www.saysomething.net
Reporting Hotline: 1-844-572-9669
School Resource Officer Updates
The Cumberland County Board of Education has approved important agreements regarding School Resource Officers (SROs) and Traffic Control Officers (TCOs) for the upcoming school year.
Town of Hope Mills:
All SRO and TCO positions for schools located within Hope Mills have been filled for the upcoming school year.
SRO Assignments in Hope Mills:
South View High School
Hope Mills Middle School
South View Middle School
One rover covering four elementary schools
One combination rover/supervisor/after-school extra duty scheduler
City of Fayetteville:
The Board of Education approved the financial terms of an MOA with the City of Fayetteville.
Planned SRO Assignments in Fayetteville:
Fayetteville Police Department (FPD) will provide SROs for 47 schools.
FPD will assign 25 school resource officers and three supervisory positions upon full staffing.
Full staffing will be phased in over approximately the next year, starting with high schools within the city limits.
59 of the 69 TCO positions have been filled. They are currently in the process of looking to fill the remaining vacancies
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office:
The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) will provide SRO and TCO coverage for schools in unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office will also provide transition coverage for year-round schools and summer school sites.
Town of Spring Lake:
CCSO will provide SRO coverage for the 2025-2026 school year for three schools in Spring Lake (Spring Lake Middle, W.T. Brown Elementary and Manchester Elementary) due to staffing shortages in the Spring Lake Police Department. Spring Lake schools do not have Traffic Control Officers based on their location and traffic patterns.
