OCPS and law enforcement sign School Justice Partnership Agreement

Orange County Public Schools has signed a School Justice Partnership Agreement with 12 local law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.

The agreement lays out guidelines for how to handle instances of student misconduct, with an emphasis on finding alternatives to arrest for less serious offenses that do not pose a threat to school safety. 

OCPS officials said the goal of the agreement is to "establish a more cohesive and fair approach between schools and law enforcement when addressing issues of student misconduct, school safety, and providing interventions and support services."

"This collaboration with our law enforcement partners signifies a commitment to fostering a secure and nurturing environment within our schools," OCPS Superintendent Maria Vasquez said. "We will ensure that our academic programs are not only designed to educate but also to promote a culture of safety and positivity for all students."

The policies implemented in the agreement must include steps for referring students to mental health services as needed, as well as procedures for conducting behavioral threat assessments in accordance with the guidelines set by the Office of Safe Schools. 

Teams dedicated to managing threats within schools consist of individuals with expertise in counseling, teaching, school administration and law enforcement.

Judicial partners in the agreement include Chief Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit, Office of the State Attorney Ninth Judicial Circuit, Office of the Public Defender Ninth Judicial Circuit and Orange County Clerk of Courts. 

Law enforcement partners in the agreement include the Orange County Sheriff's Office, as well as the Orlando, Apopka, Belle Isle, Eatonville, Edgewood, Maitland, Oakland, Ocoee, Windermere, Winter Park and Winter Garden police departments.