The Department of Facilities and Operations, Office of Safety and Security Services, is pleased to welcome Cidel Peters, the new ACPS security supervisor. In this role, Ms. Peters will have responsibility and oversight for all school security officers (SSOs) within the division. She will also be responsible for system monitoring programs and initiatives including security cameras, fire and intrusion alarm systems.
Ms. Peters’ background with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) has provided her with vast experience in the realm of school security. As a DCPS school police officer, Ms. Peters supported schools through a wide range of school safety initiatives. Additionally, she served as a dispatch analyst in the school security command center, monitoring camera systems, including fire and intrusion alarm activations for 118 schools. Ms. Peters reaffirms her dedication to best practices in school security by maintaining multiple safety certifications, training in crisis intervention, staying abreast of applicable local code and inclusionary practices.
Ms. Peters also brings mental health experience to this new role through her past work with the Mental Health Association of Montgomery County. As a crisis hotline counselor, Ms. Peters provided therapeutic and supportive listening, assessed needs, developed appropriate intervention strategies and safety plans for individuals in crisis. This experience will prove valuable to our security operations and support for students within ACPS.