Lockdowns and Shelters-in-Place

Information for parents about lockdowns and shelters-in-place.

What is a Lockdown?

A lockdown is ordered (by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office, Albuquerque Police Department, or APS School Police) when a dangerous person is on or near a campus.

Here's what happens during a lockdown:

• Bathrooms, cafeteria doors, office doors, and gates are locked.
• Students are moved out of the hallways and into the nearest classrooms immediately. They must stay in those rooms until they are cleared to leave by public safety personnel.
• Students and staff are kept away from doors and windows.
• All doors are closed and locked to protect students and staff from the threat.
• All blinds are closed. Lights are kept on.
• Attendance is taken.
• Everyone remains quiet.

APS has written security procedures for every school.

What is a Shelter-in-Place?

Shelter-in-Place is similar to a lockdown, except that the students and staff are allowed to move around inside their classroom. They are allowed to have organized and supervised restroom breaks, medical attention, food, and water if necessary. No one is allowed in or out of the building.

The decision to go from a lockdown to a shelter-in-place will be a joint decision made by the APS Police Department, the principal and the appropriate superintendent. This decision will be made only when APS School Police have confirmed that there is no imminent danger to the students or staff of the affected school.

Students are allowed to continue their studies in a supervised classroom that is locked and secure. All students are physically supervised during a shelter-in-place.