Following a successful debut, the second annual “Be the Impact:” School Safety Summit again served first responders, law enforcement officers and fellow industry personnel by gathering them under the same roof to learn, share insights and strategies and get on the same page in preparation for next school year.

Hosted by the Center for Safe and Secure Schools (CSSS), the summit moved to Houston City College’s Northeast Campus for the day-long conference on June 18. In total, more than 100 participants, speakers and agency representatives grew together.

The goal behind the summit was to keep organizations, districts and agencies best informed through legislative sessions and new mandates. This allows consistency across the board well before the start of the next school year.

A highlight for the day was keynote speaker Jamie L. Reyna, who serves as Juvenile Division Chief for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. She spoke on the many challenges facing today’s youth, the intersection of school safety and juvenile justice, and strategies organizations can use to help create safer schools and stronger communities.

The day began with an opening session featuring STAR Award presentations.

Breakouts followed – topics included the gravity of complacency, e-Bike safety, applying military rehearsal methodology to enhance active threat preparedness, and combating human trafficking.

Critical Response Group, the nation’s leader in indoor mapping data, served as the summit’s underwriter.