Behind the routines of regular school periods and campus events, a coordinated safety network quietly operates across Mater Dei High School. From preventative planning and campus evaluations to communication systems and law enforcement collaboration, administrators and local officers work together to ensure that safety measures are not only in place but also continuously improved. Rather than relying on a single protocol, the school’s approach focuses on preparation, awareness, and partnership, a system designed to respond effectively to a wide range of situations while maintaining a secure environment for students and staff.

One of the key components of Mater Dei’s safety efforts is preventative planning. The school conducts ongoing evaluations on campus security, including assessments of physical infrastructure, communication systems, and response readiness. Assistant Principal of Student Life Jack Conklin ‘80 served 33 years in law enforcement before retiring and transitioning into educational leadership in 2019. This experience allows him to approach safety from two distinct outlooks. 

“I’m able to look at it from both perspectives — from what a school community might need, and also from a law enforcement perspective,” Conklin said.

The Santa Ana Police Department plays a significant role in strengthening these efforts in maintaining campus safety from possible threats. According to Officer Joshua Coleman, proactive measures are essential in preventing threats before they escalate.

“Some of the steps I recommend to school administration are I.D. checks for all visitors entering campus, assigning security teams at entry and exit points for events, and sharing information or training that helps ensure students, parents, and staff stay safe,” Coleman said.

From a law enforcement perspective, early prevention is one of the most effective ways to maintain school safety. Coleman emphasizes that recognizing warning signs, particularly online, can make a significant difference.

“Monitoring social media accounts should never be overlooked as potential signs of threats and future behavior,” Coleman said. “Parents and adults should be cognizant of warning signs on social media and report anything they think is a red flag to administration or law enforcement.”

Encouraging students to speak up is another critical element. Anonymous reporting systems, including the “If you see something, say something” tip line implemented on all Mater Dei students’ iPads, can help identify concerns before they develop into serious situations.

“These systems are helpful in addressing potential threats before they happen and provide a way for students to report activity anonymously,” Coleman said. “It’s the responsibility of administrators and school resource officers to build trust with students so they feel comfortable coming forward.”

Mater Dei’s partnership with local law enforcement also includes joint training and preparedness initiatives. Several years ago, the Santa Ana Police Department worked with the school to produce a safety preparedness video that provided insight into how agencies prepare for and deal with emergencies.

“The goal of the collaboration is to give schools insight into the preparedness law enforcement has undertaken in recent years,” Coleman said. “It’s important that local police departments and schools collaborate with one another to share expectations, roles, and responsibilities.”

In the event of a serious threat, officers focus first on identifying the situation and coordinating resources while maintaining communication among responding personnel.

“Communication during this most crucial time is key,” Coleman said.

Even with extensive planning, safety preparation comes with challenges. Coleman notes that unpredictability and limited resources can make it difficult to prepare for every possible scenario. Despite these challenges, training and coordination continue to evolve as law enforcement agencies adapt to new risks and develop updated safety strategies.

“Preparing for the unknown is inherently stressful,” Coleman said. “As prepared as we would like to think we are, there is always an element of the unknown.”

Coleman emphasizes that maintaining a safe campus is a shared effort between administrators, law enforcement, students, and families. Awareness and reporting concerns can play a major role in preventing incidents before they occur.

“Report it—even if your friends are telling you ‘it’s no big deal’ or ‘it’s only a joke,’” Coleman said. “Your role is to be vigilant and report. It’s our duty and responsibility to investigate any threats, no matter the scale.”

Through ongoing collaboration, communication, and preparedness, Mater Dei and the Santa Ana Police Department continue working together to strengthen campus safety and support a secure learning environment.