WASHINGTON, D.C. — A newly released report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is raising alarms about safety conditions in D.C. Public Schools (DCPS), pointing to urgent deficiencies that leave students and staff vulnerable—especially when it comes to gun violence.
The OIG’s report, titled “Measures to Combat Gun Violence in DC Public Schools,” offers a sobering look at the systemic gaps in safety procedures, infrastructure, and inter-agency coordination. According to the report, schools across the District face serious challenges in both physical security and response readiness.
Key Findings from the Report
The investigation revealed multiple areas where DCPS is falling short in creating a secure environment:
- 71% of DCPS schools lack a regular presence of a school resource officer (SRO), leaving many campuses without a designated law enforcement figure to manage threats or respond quickly to incidents.
- The District lacks a clear and unified definition of what constitutes a gun violence threat, and there is confusion over what is considered an on-campus vs. off-campus issue.
- Half of all safety-related repairs—including doors, gates, locks, and windows—are not completed on time, creating prolonged vulnerabilities.
- Inconsistent safety implementation across schools has resulted in uneven levels of preparedness and protection.
- DCPS is often excluded from citywide gun violence prevention initiatives, creating a significant disconnect between schools and broader community safety programs.
Troubling Visual Evidence
Accompanying the report were photos of deteriorating infrastructure, including:
- Broken or unsecured doors and gates
- Shattered windows, some reportedly caused by gunfire
- Damaged locks that failed to keep unauthorized individuals out
These images paint a disturbing picture of what many students face daily—schools in physical disrepair and under-prepared for potential threats.
Response from DC Public Schools
In a statement to 7News, DCPS acknowledged the issues and pledged to take immediate action:
“At DC Public Schools (DCPS), the safety of our students and staff is critical. We recognize the trust our families place in us, and we are committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe spaces where students can learn and thrive.”…