PSJA ISD Unveils New School Safety & Security Center with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

ALAMO – Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) showcased its commitment to student and staff well-being with the inauguration of the new PSJA ISD School Safety & Security Center on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The ceremony also highlighted the district’s latest safety enhancements, including the introduction of the PSJA Guardians during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The newly renovated PSJA ISD School Safety & Security Center serves as the new home for the PSJA Police and Security Departments. The facility features the latest tools and equipment, including a centralized Command Conference Room and Training Room for PSJA Police & Security staff.

“When PSJA embarks in new endeavors they are executed with careful planning and intention,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias during his remarks. “PSJA has plans to include an additional training facility, and our collaboration with law enforcement agencies will continue. We are committed to doing everything we can to protect our students and staff. Thank you to our Police and Security teams for all that they do every day.”

The event welcomed representatives from numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies; city leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley; and PSJA administrators. Attendees gained insights into the PSJA Police and Security teams and learned about upcoming safety measures, including the installation of shatter-resistant window film across all schools. Guided tours of the center were also available for guests.

PSJA Chief Rolando Garcia is a distinguished law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience in the field. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing the first police department for PSJA ISD during the 2019-2020 school year and setting a high standard for safety and security in the district.

“We are focused on the safety at PSJA, and we go above and beyond what is expected of a school district,” said PSJA Chief Rolando Garcia. “We received over an $8 million federal grant to secure our campus doors using the night lock systems and to install shatter-resistant films for the windows of all our campuses as well as other enhancements.”

The collaboration between PSJA and various law enforcement entities emphasizes the district’s dedication to robust safety training initiatives. The most recent addition to the department is the Guardian Program established at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year which has contributed to the district’s arsenal of safety. PSJA Guardians are armed, trained officers placed at all elementary schools that ensure the safety and security of students and staff within the district.

“The Guardians have undergone rigorous psychological evaluations, thorough background checks, obtained the license to carry certification, and completed extensive training,” said PSJA Security Department Director Dr. Ruben Borrego. “I would like to thank our School Board, Dr. Elias, and administration for having the courage and foresight to address school safety in a meaningful and vigorous way.”

As PSJA continues to implement advanced safety measures, fostering partnerships between police officers, guardians, and security personnel remains key. These efforts align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals #16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and #17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

To learn more about the PSJA Police and Security Department, visit psjaisd.us