Security officers are stationed at 23 schools in Mykolaiv: some of them are being fitted with metal detectors

In Mykolaiv, security officers are stationed at 23 schools — plans are in place to install metal detectors. Photo: Hanna Lychko, NikVesti archive

In Mykolaiv, police inspectors responsible for child safety are currently working in 23 educational establishments, and in six of them the police plan to install metal detectors to tighten access controls.

This was announced on 30 April by the head of the city’s education department, Hanna Lychko, during a live broadcast.

Security officers are responsible for maintaining order in schools: they check access control, ensure that no dangerous items are brought into the premises, conduct awareness sessions with pupils and communicate with parents. They also have the right to issue administrative notices in the event of violations.

«We have officers working in 23 educational establishments across the city, and we very much wanted such officers to be present in every in-person general secondary school in the city. First and foremost, we are receiving positive feedback not only from school heads and teachers. Most importantly, we see how children can communicate openly with officers from the Educational Security Service. If offences are detected, they have the authority to draw up administrative reports, including against parents. This helps to increase families’ sense of responsibility for their children’s behaviour,» noted Hanna Lychko.

In addition, CCTV systems have already been installed in 48 schools across the city. However, expanding their number is currently difficult due to a lack of funds, so the city is seeking additional funding and working with donors.

«In educational establishments where Educational Security Service officers are stationed, there are plans to install metal detectors in six schools. We hope that in the future it will be possible to install them in all other general secondary education establishments where Educational Security Service officers are present,» added Hanna Lychko.

As a reminder, a new system for rapid notification of children’s absence from schools and nurseries is being introduced in Ukraine. Educational institutions, the police and social services will now exchange information electronically in real time.