Cameras, locked doors, drills, and a resource officer — these safety measures make up Scituate High School’s security system.

As of last year, the school implemented a buzz-in system at the bus entrance, which added to the security of the locked doors. The doors have always been locked, but the buzz-in system adds another level of security to the school, allowing the office staff to see who is entering the building. All the doors lock at 7:45 a.m. when students are supposed to be in school. Some students believe the security cameras are the most noticeable aspect of the school’s security system. The school introduced the camera system in 2012-2013, but it was improved last year. With the current system, the administration can go back and review past events, giving them a better chance to understand what happened. Not only do these additions improve the physical security of the school, but they also give students comfort when walking in the door.

Junior Troy Hewitt said Officer Quinn, the new school resource officer, walking around the school is the most noticeable change in security. With Quinn’s presence, most student believe the school is safer, but for those who are concerned, Principal Wargo said, “They should approach Officer Quinn and relay their concerns.” Students have noticed Quinn is armed, and some students are concerned about the presence of a gun in the school. Quinn said, “Across the country you hear about all these shootings, and I’m sure it is shocking to see me walking down the hall armed.” She also said she feels “more safe in the police station with people who are armed than not.”

Despite Quinn’s presence since the beginning of the school year, many students do not know who she is or what her responsibilities entail. Some students are aware she is here but do not know why. When explaining her role, both Quinn and Wargo said she is here to improve the relationship between police officers and students. She also serves as another adult with whom students can speak in confidence when they are having trouble. Others question Quinn’s purpose in the school due to the close proximity to the police station. Wargo said the police station’s proximity to the school has only influenced the response time, not the decisions being made.

Both Officer Quinn and Mr. Wargo identify the school’s environment, specifically the students, as an influential factor on the security system. Officer Quinn says the students and parents she has met have been rather welcoming. Wargo said, “Statistically a lot of bad things haven’t happened, but a lot of bad things don’t happen here,” referring to the number of incidences at SHS in which the police are involved. He cited the students as being an important cause of this positive statistic. Wargo encouraged students to keep in mind that SHS students add more to the safety of their own environment than the security provided by cameras, locked doors and drills.