
On Wednesday, the one-year anniversary of the slaying of Alabama school bus driver Charles Poland Jr., the New York Association for Pupil Transportation paid tribute to Poland and announced steps it is taking to increase school bus security. For example, the association is supporting legislation that would make it a crime of criminal trespass to board a school bus without permission.
Read More →Jonathan Modesitt is arrested following last week’s incident, in which Oregon State Police troopers say he dropped his pants after hitting the bus and tried to get on board with a gun. He faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence of intoxicants.
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Transportation staff at Nevada's Storey County School District spent a stimulating day learning how to respond to shooters and other security threats on the bus. The session included hands-on training on how to use the bus to throw an armed intruder to the floor and even how to physically disarm or incapacitate the intruder.
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From sessions on enhancing safety and efficiency to awards for outstanding service, here’s our rundown of highlights from the National Association for Pupil Transportation’s 2013 Summit, held in Grand Rapids, Mich., in October.
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Intervention doesn't have to mean using physical force. Calling dispatch for help, stopping and securing the bus, and giving orders to the students are key steps in responding.
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“Unauthorized Rider,” produced by the Minnesota School Bus Operators Association (MSBOA) and the Annandale Police Department, demonstrates the need to plan ahead when confronted with an attempt by an unauthorized person to board the school bus, and what to do if these situations arise. MSBOA Executive Administrator Shelly Jonas tells SBF how production of the video came about.
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Christopher Hart, vice chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, will address NAPT and NASDPTS members in a joint session. He is expected to discuss recent crash investigation results and recommendations. Also during the joint session, attendees will watch the film “Impact: After the Crash,” which reenacts the catastrophic 1988 bus crash in Carrollton, Ky., and shares inspirational stories of survivors.
Read More →The free, Zonar-sponsored webinar next week will discuss school transportation participation in crisis management and ways to prepare for the unthinkable. Former Superintendent John Barry will explain how Aurora Public Schools’ transportation department assisted in recovery efforts after the 2012 Aurora shooting.
Read More →As with stop-arm running, an important component in any campaign against school bus trespassing is public awareness. Parents and others need to know that they are prohibited from boarding the bus.
Read More →We need to develop a proactive approach — meaning run purposefully, hide intelligently and fight fiercely, in that order (fight only as a last resort) — to an active shooter scenario and teach it to everyone, especially students. The drill should be done in conjunction with local law enforcement personnel.
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