Security & safety department
Director
18367 8th Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98148
Phone: 206.433.2493
About Us
To provide a safe learning environment for students and staff while protecting school property in a professional manner.
Highline Public Schools Security & Safety department was created in 1971, starting with two full-time security officers. Changes in the laws, schools, and community demographics as well as an increase in social violence have sparked the need for more security officers in schools. In response to these changes, the department has grown to 16 employees, 12 of which are security officers. Led by Security & Safety Director Tony Zeman, the department has one investigator as well as administrative support staff.
The security and safety department operates 24 hours, 7 days a week. Unlike other school security departments, Highline requires a law enforcement experience to qualify for a position as a district level security service officer. We believe this extra measure of experience and training provides the maximum level of service and protection for our students, staff, and community. Our campus security officers are not armed and therefore do not require law enforcement background.
The security and safety department provides roving district coverage in the four service areas. These officers are mobile and respond to service calls at any school and to any district emergencies that may arise. In addition, each of the four main high school campuses have a designated security officer.
Highline Public Schools serve students from unincorporated King County (area around White Center), the cities of Burien, SeaTac, Normandy Park, Des Moines, and parts of Kent and Tukwila. Some of these cities provide police officers (also know as School Resource Officers) to Highline’s high school campuses. The security and safety department works closely with the various agencies and along with School Resource Officers (SROs). These partnerships are valuable as we work together to provide a safe learning environment for students.
The security department operates the Highline Hotline 206-433-2566 where students, staff, and the public can report threats, drug activity, or provide other information that could assist in maintaining a safe school environment.
The district security department also provides schools and departments with emergency response planning guidelines. Each school has developed a site-specific emergency response plan, and the security and safety department staff members are trained and equipped to be the first responders in emergency situations.
