[00:00:02] **Announcer:**
It’s time to get in the loop with LPS, the official podcast of Liberty Public Schools…

[00:00:24] **Announcer:**
Let’s send you to longtime Director of Communications and your host of *In the Loop with LPS*, Dallas Ackerman.

---

## **INTRODUCTION**

[00:00:35] **Dallas:**
Welcome back, everyone. This is **week two** of *In the Loop with LPS*. I guess when you survive episode one and you’re not canceled, that’s a good sign!

This week, we’re joined by **Gary Majors**, our longtime Director of Safety and Security.

Gary — the intro says *longtime* Director of Communications for me… should I be flattered or offended? Does this mean I’m old?

[00:01:06] **Gary Majors:**
Yes. You’re definitely getting older. I knew you when you were just a young pup.

[00:01:12] **Dallas:**
And if I’m getting older, what does that make you?

[00:01:23] **Gary:**
A *real longtime* safety director — because yes, I’m much older.

---

## **BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY & SECURITY OPERATIONS**

[00:01:29] **Dallas:**
We just started school on August 23rd. Nearly 13,000 students. We heard many positive things across the district. How did things go from your perspective?

[00:02:00] **Gary:**
The first day was the culmination of **a tremendous amount of work** — much of it over the summer, and some dating back to last year.

This year we launched a **major expansion** of our safety and security team, including:

* A **dedicated security officer in every elementary school**
* Full-time coverage across all levels
* Expanded training and infrastructure

It sounds simple — “go hire a dozen people” — but it is a daunting task. Seeing those officers out greeting students and parents was extremely rewarding. And we’ve already heard positive stories from week one.

---

## **GARY’S BACKGROUND IN LAW ENFORCEMENT**

[00:02:53] **Dallas:**
Let’s go back even further. Many may not know your full background. Could you talk about your law enforcement career?

[00:03:54] **Gary:**
Sure — and I’ll try to keep it under an hour.

I spent **28 years** with the **Kansas City, Missouri Police Department**. Law enforcement is a family business — my father retired from KCPD, my son is currently a sergeant, and my brother recently retired.

I served in many assignments, retired as a **major**, and spent my final years as **Division Commander** at Central Patrol, which I loved.

After retiring (because at 30 years they basically pack your office and say goodbye), I wasn’t ready to stop working. I became director of Kansas City’s **Regulated Industries**, and later Director of Operations for **Kansas City Public Schools**.

Then a friend called and said:
“Liberty is hiring a Director of Safety & Security — you’d be perfect.”

I applied… and here we are.

---

## **THE BEGINNING OF SAFETY & SECURITY IN LPS**

[00:05:27] **Gary:**
The real story begins a year before I arrived, when **Dr. Jeremy Tucker** was hired. One of his earliest tasks for **Steve Anderson**, Chief Operations Officer, was to assess district needs.

At the time, LPS had:

* 3 part-time SROs covering 6 schools
* A handful of off-duty Highway Patrol officers for mobile patrol
* A “.3 FTE” security director — a Highway Patrol sergeant working a few hours a week

When something happened?
It was a coin flip whether he was even *in town*.

Steve Anderson said:
“We need a full-time Director of Safety & Security.”

I was fortunate to be selected. Steve’s first instructions to me were:
**“Manage what we have. Build what we need.”**

---

## **BUILDING A MODERN, LAYERED SECURITY SYSTEM**

### **Secured Entries**

[00:07:26] **Gary:**
Dr. Tucker and Mr. Anderson wanted **secured entry systems**:

1. Buzz into the building
2. Buzz into the office
3. Buzz into the main school

Three opportunities to assess a visitor’s intent before they reach students.

We standardized and upgraded all schools — something many districts later visited Liberty to replicate.

---

### **Active Shooter Training**

[00:08:14]
Developed **mandatory annual staff training** on active shooter response and emergency protocols.

---

### **Critical Incident Response**

[00:08:14]
Created leadership training for principals on:

* Tornado events
* Power loss
* Hazardous material scenarios
* Evacuations
* Medical emergencies

These procedures have been successfully used in real incidents.

---

### **Visitor Management System**

[00:08:53]
We implemented a system requiring a **government-issued ID**, running instant checks across **175 national databases**, including sex offender registries.

About 1–2 times a year, this prevents an individual from entering who **legally cannot be on school property**.

---

### **Camera Systems & Lifecycle Upgrades**

[00:09:19]
We expanded the camera network and created a replacement cycle program — essential for long-term sustainability.

---

### **Hiring Full-Time Armed Security Officers**

[00:10:16]
We moved from SROs covering multiple buildings to **full-time internal officers** trained and employed by LPS.

Initially at high schools → then middle schools → and now **every elementary school**, including ECC.

Almost all have significant law enforcement backgrounds.

---

### **Upgraded Radios & Communication Tools**

[00:12:46]
Shifted from analog to **digital radios**, improving reliability districtwide.

---

### **Incident Documentation Tools**

[00:13:11]
Systems to log:

* Traffic accidents
* Slips, trips, falls
* Security incidents
* Follow-up actions

---

### **Anonymous Reporting – “Sprigeo”**

[00:13:36]
Originally for bullying reports, now used for everything from safety concerns to potential fights to suspicious behavior.

All reports go straight to principals **and** security and must be investigated within one school day.

---

### **Threat Assessment Program**

[00:14:31]
Using Secret Service & FBI behavioral models, we created a robust threat assessment system evaluating:

* Intent
* Means
* Access to weapons
* Planning
* Resiliency
* Mental health indicators

Outcomes range from “no threat” → safety plans → temporary removal with mental health support.

We don’t give up on kids — but safety comes first.

---

## **THE 2023–2024 EXPANSION: ELEMENTARY OFFICERS**

[00:17:24] **Dallas:**
This year’s major development is adding armed security officers to **every elementary school**. A hot topic, widely covered by local media.

Can you talk about the team you hired?

[00:18:06] **Gary:**
Our standards were *very* high.

These officers are not random hires — they are:

* Retired KCPD captains
* Former sergeants
* Longtime patrol officers
* A retired Texas detective
* A retired Army command sergeant major (special operations background)

We selected people with proven judgment in dangerous, fast-moving situations.

The **public must trust** these officers.
The **principals must trust** them.
The **children must trust** them.

---

## **RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS & STAFF**

[00:22:53] **Dallas:**
How has the integration into elementary schools gone?

[00:23:22] **Gary:**
Remarkably well.

Examples from week one:

* **Officer walking laps with a student** who needs physical activity and encouragement
* **Officer helping a nervous kindergarten student** off the bus and walking her to class hand-in-hand
* **Officer correcting parent pick-up line issues** professionally and successfully
* **Officers already known by name** and connecting with kids in meaningful ways

Relationship-building is as important as emergency response.

---

## **EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL SECURITY OFFICERS**

[00:27:08] **Gary:**
Every officer is given three clear expectations:

1️⃣ **In a critical incident: run toward the danger.**
Stop the threat — no hesitation.

2️⃣ **Do what principals ask.**
They run the building; officers support their mission.

3️⃣ **Build positive relationships with students.**
High-fives, conversations, trust-building — every day.

That’s the job.

---

## **HOW TO CONTACT THE SECURITY TEAM**

[00:28:41] **Dallas:**
You are extremely accessible. How can people reach you?

[00:28:56] **Gary:**
Call or email anytime. Our contact info is on the LPS website.

Also — last year, after a school shooting, a parent asked:
“What can I use to talk to my child about school safety?”

Great idea. We created **parent guides** for:

* Grades K–2
* Grades 3–5
* Middle school
* High school

They explain how to speak calmly and appropriately with children about safety. They are available at every school.

---

## **THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL BOARD & COMMUNITY SUPPORT**

[00:30:32] **Dallas:**
We couldn’t do any of this without our School Board and community.

[00:30:55] **Gary:**
That’s exactly right.
Safety improvements are **not free**.

Our Board has been unwavering:
“Do what is right for kids.”

And our community has passed multiple bond issues that made all of this possible.

---

## **FINAL MESSAGE: “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING”**

[00:31:51] **Gary:**
With all our systems, the number one safety tool is **self-awareness**.
Have age-appropriate conversations with your children.

And remember:
If you **see something**, you **must say something**.
We would much rather investigate a false alarm than hear afterward,
“I didn’t think it was important.”

---

## **CLOSING**

[00:33:33] **Dallas:**
Gary, thank you — not only for today, but for everything you do. Always great visiting with you.

[00:34:14] **Gary:**
Thank you, sir. Go Chiefs.

[00:34:28] **Announcer:**
Thanks for listening to *In the Loop with LPS*. Visit lps53.org for more information.