Loudoun Schools Sign Updated Agreement With Local Police

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Loudoun officials said they hope a new document will help mend the working relationships between the school system and local law enforcement agencies.

On Tuesday night, the Loudoun County School Board unanimously approved a new memorandum of understanding with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and the Leesburg Police Department.

"The MOU is meant to establish a mutually beneficial framework that facilitates effective, timely communication and coordination of efforts for LCPS and its law enforcement partners," the administrations said in a joint news release.

The memorandum of understanding included several changes focusing on documentation and communication, detailed recognition regarding the school system's handling of Title IX and sexual assault concerns, and details about crisis intervention training for school resource officers.

In recent years, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and members of the school board butted heads regarding a pair of high-profile sexual assaults.

A grand jury investigation into the assaults cited poor communication between the school system and the sheriff's office.

"A breakdown of communication between and amongst multiple parties — including the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, the Court Services Unit, and the Loudoun County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office — led to the tragic events that occurred," the grand jury report said.

In a joint news release, Loudoun school board chair Ian Serotkin said safety remained the school system's priority.

"We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure our students, staff and families remain secure while also cooperating with our law enforcement partners as they protect our community," Serotkin said.

The memorandum continues the school resource officer program, which places law enforcement officers in every middle and high school. The officers support safety efforts at area elementary school as well.

"Collaboration with our school partners has improved, and the new MOU demonstrates the critical importance of working together for a common purpose,” Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman said in the news release. “LCSO will continue to enhance the resources we dedicate to school safety and SROs, who are among our most experienced and well-trained deputies."

Read more:

• Teen Sentenced For 2 Sexual Assaults At Loudoun County High Schools: Report
• Loudoun Teen Pleads No Contest To 2nd Sexual Assault
• Loudoun Teen Found Guilty Of Assaulting Girl In Bathroom
• Sentence Changed For Teen Convicted In Loudoun Sexual Assaults

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center can provide information about reporting and coping with sexual abuse. Their website also features training materials and tips to prevent sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network operates a 24/7 hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673.