Harlingen CISD enhances school security with new Guardian program

Harlingen CISD expanded its security measures across the district with the Guardian program.

Established in accordance with House Bill 3 of the 88th Legislature, this initiative builds upon existing security measures in the district while introducing additional layers of protection to our campuses.

“What we are endeavoring to do is not eliminate any of the prior models for securing schools but it’s to extend it even further,” Director of Emergency Management and School Safety Danny Castillo said.

Our school district works closely with law enforcement agencies that provide off-duty deputies and officers to help secure the safety of our schools. These agencies include the Department of Public Safety State Troopers, Harlingen Police Department, Cameron County Sheriff’s Department, Cameron County Constable Precinct 3 and Precinct 4, Primera Police Department, and Combes Police Department.

“The Guardian program was never designed or intended to replace the law enforcement partnerships we have,” Castillo said. "It’s going to enhance and strengthen them. It’s a very strong and deliberate layer that we have instituted that will work in partnership with our law enforcement community.”

Many of the hiring standards for our Guardians mirror the professional standards of law enforcement. Our new Harlingen CISD Guardians bring an average of 12 years of active law enforcement experience to their roles.

“There are so many community members working together to keep our students and our staff safe,” Superintendent Dr. J.A. Gonzalez said. “Safety is our number one priority as we put our students in a position to excel. As a superintendent of schools, I am very proud to be a part of the team that built this. As a father of a fourth, fifth, and sixth grader in this district, I can tell you that it makes me feel good knowing our children are safe because of the men and women that we have helping us to protect them.”