After the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018 and the subsequent passage of the Safe Schools legislation in Florida, Chief Newman oversaw the most aggressive expansion of HCPS Security and Emergency Management in the organization’s history.

HCPS now employs nearly 300 Guardian-certified, full-time Security Officers. These well-trained men and women are deployed at all elementary sites, charter sites and other administrative sites. Additionally, HCPS Security and Emergency Management has a full-time patrol division that works 24 hours a day, seven days a 
week.

HCPS Security and Emergency Management embraces and complies with all state mandates on school safety as governed by the FDOE Office of Safe Schools.

HCPS Security and Emergency Management is an essential component for Hillsborough County’s Office of Emergency Management Shelter Operations. HCPS partners with all city and county efforts during a declared emergency and provides shelter resources when requested.