An increasing number of school districts and private schools across Metro Detroit are contracting with private firms to place armed security officers on their campuses. Fortis Security Group, a prominent provider in the region, now supplies armed personnel, many of whom are retired law enforcement officers, to approximately 50 school buildings.
Key Takeaways
- Over a dozen school districts and private schools in Metro Detroit have hired armed security officers.
- Fortis Security Group, a key provider, employs many retired law enforcement officers for these roles.
- An armed guard is credited with preventing a potential mass shooting at a Pontiac graduation ceremony.
- Specialized training for school security includes adapting to modern classroom layouts and building relationships with students.
A Growing Trend in School Safety
In response to ongoing concerns about school safety, educational institutions in Southeast Michigan are taking new measures to protect students and staff. One of the most significant changes is the hiring of armed security officers to maintain a daily presence on school grounds.
Fortis Security Group has emerged as a major partner for many of these schools. The company is currently contracted by 15 different schools and school districts, covering a total of 50 buildings in the Metro Detroit area. A significant portion of its security staff consists of individuals with prior experience in law enforcement.
Statewide Safety Data
This trend aligns with broader school safety discussions in Michigan. State programs like OK2SAY, a student safety tip line, have been collecting data on threats since 2014. Additionally, Michigan’s Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI) tracks incidents of bullying and violent crime in schools, providing districts with data to inform their safety strategies.
Incident Prevention at Pontiac Graduation
The impact of having armed security was highlighted during a recent incident at a graduation ceremony for the Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac. Two individuals were later accused of planning to open fire at the event.
Michael Johnson, an officer with Fortis Security and a former Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy, was working at the ceremony when a fight broke out. Johnson called 911 to request police backup while other security personnel managed the initial disturbance.
“Somebody yelled ‘Fight, fight, fight,’ and I took off running. By the time I got inside, the other security had it under control. But I had a gut feeling something more was coming,” Johnson stated.
His quick action and assessment of the situation are credited with averting a potentially tragic event. This incident has served as a case study for proponents of armed security in educational settings.
Specialized Training for a School Environment
The security officers responsible for protecting schools undergo specific training designed for the unique challenges of an educational environment. This training goes beyond standard security protocols and addresses the evolving nature of modern schools.
Adapting to Modern Classrooms
James Vernier of Fortis Security explained that officers are trained to secure non-traditional learning spaces. Modern classrooms often feature flexible layouts that differ from rows of desks.
“When we walk by a classroom we’re used to seeing desks with students in them, and now we’re seeing love seats pushed together with patio lights across -- and we don’t know why, what’s going on,” Vernier said. The training helps officers understand and secure these dynamic environments effectively.
Building Relationships with Students
A core component of the training emphasizes the importance of daily interaction with students. Officers are encouraged to build rapport and be approachable figures in the hallways. This strategy helps them gather information and identify potential issues before they escalate.
“You know, think of a minor statement made here, a minor statement made there. They may mean nothing individually, but you put those together and it could be something more serious,” Vernier added.
This proactive approach focuses on prevention through community building. Officer Devin Benson, who patrols Metro Detroit school hallways, emphasized the protective mission of the guards. “We are former law enforcement officers, and it’s very important with the culture of the day,” Benson said. “We’re here to protect our kids, protect the staff.”
Fortis Security by the Numbers
- 15: The number of schools and school districts contracting with the company.
- 50: The total number of school buildings covered by their armed security.
- Primary Workforce: Most employees are retired law enforcement officers.
Which Schools Have Contracted Armed Security?
Fortis Security has established contracts with a mix of public school districts, private schools, and other educational institutions across the Metro Detroit area. The scope of these services ranges from daily patrols to security for after-school events.
Public School Districts
Several public school systems have opted to bring in armed officers from Fortis. These districts include:
- Anchor Bay School District
- Eastpointe Community Schools
- Hartland Consolidated Schools
- Huron Valley Schools
- Lake Shore Public Schools
- Oxford Community Schools
- Brighton Area Schools (specifically for after-school sporting events)
Private and Charter Schools
A significant number of private and charter schools have also contracted with the security firm. This list includes:
- Academy of Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills
- Ann Arbor Christian Academy in Ann Arbor
- Detroit Catholic Central in Novi
- Everest Academy in Clarkston
- Holy Name in Birmingham
- Ivywood Classical Academy in Plymouth
- Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth
- Our Lady of Refuge in Orchard Lake
- Our Lady Queen of Martyrs in Beverly Hills
- St. Catherine of Siena Academy in Wixom
- St. Regis in Bloomfield Hills
The company also provides services to Cleary University in Howell, extending its presence into the higher education sector.