Parents → Getting started in MCPS (the basics) → School Safety and Security
School Safety and Security
Montgomery County Public Schools is prepared to respond to emergency or crisis situations to ensure the safety and security of all students. All middle and high schools have on-site security staff members to help maintain a safe and secure learning environment, and elementary schools are supported by security personnel as needed. Every school has an emergency crisis plan and conducts fire safety and emergency preparedness drills.
Additional Information
Safe Schools Hotlines
Confidential hotlines (no Caller ID) are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to receive anonymous information about school safety and security concerns.
- MCPS Safe Schools Hotline: 301-517-5995
- Montgomery County Police Drug Tip Hotline: 240-773-3784
- Montgomery County Police Gang Tip Hotline: 240-773-4264
Students, parents and community members are urged to report information about weapons, drugs, alcohol and violence in schools or on school grounds.
Additional Information
Community Engagement Officers (CEOs)
A Community Engagement Officer (CEO) is a sworn uniformed law enforcement officer trained in emergency preparedness, crisis management, community policing concepts, and problem-solving who is designated to work as a liaison to MCPS schools. There is a CEO assigned to each cluster of schools in MCPS and serves as contact point to deliver law enforcement programs such as DARE, crime prevention, and gang awareness and may be asked to participate in school-based events such as career days, assemblies, study circles, and other staff/student events.
Learn more about the program through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the allied police agencies in Montgomery County and the school system.
Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect
Maryland state law requires school system staff to report incidents of suspected child abuse and neglect to the Protective Services section of the Montgomery County Department of Social Services and/or the Family Services Division of the Montgomery County Police Department. The employee also must notify the school principal or immediate supervisor.