Bloomfield Hills Schools is explaining how it coordinates information with police during safety incidents near or involving schools as the district observes Safety Week, Oct. 19–23.

In a district announcement, officials described the working relationship between the school communications team and the Bloomfield Township Police Department.

Sean Manor, the police department’s public information officer, and Karen Huyghe, the district’s executive director of communications and community engagement, help coordinate that work.

The district said its communications staff consult with school leadership, its administrator of public safety and police to determine what information can be released, who needs it and when to send it.

Officials said those decisions require balancing families’ need for timely information against the need to verify facts and protect active investigations.

“Communication during a safety situation is a partnership,” Huyghe said. “The trust we have built allows us to communicate quickly while making sure what we share is accurate, appropriate and helpful.”

Manor said the established relationship helps police and school staff work through details and deliver consistent information. Their collaboration also includes safety education and outreach outside emergencies.

Superintendent Rick West said smartphones and social media mean the district will not always be the first source of news about an incident. He said providing accurate, useful information can take time, including during emergencies.

Safety Week activities

Schools are scheduled to conduct a Hold drill using the district’s upgraded public address system during Safety Week. School resource officers are also scheduled to present safety lessons for elementary and middle school students, according to the district’s Safety Week announcement.

Patrick Sidge, the district’s administrator of public safety, works with school administrators and local police and fire departments on safety planning, according to the district’s safety information.

The district encourages families to review Safety Week messages, check their contact information and communication settings, and discuss school safety with their children.