Security & Parking

Personnel assigned to Security have the primary responsibility of promoting student, staff and visitor safety, as well as, ensuring the physical security of the school facility, parking lots, and grounds. The office is located next door to Attendance and is normally staffed from 7:00am - 3:30 pm.

Your Path to Personal Safety
Whenever you are walking or jogging, remember these personal safety tips:

• Have someone accompany you if at all possible.
• Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return.
• If you plan to go jogging, let someone know the path you intend to take and when you plan to leave and return.
• Know where you can run for help. Remember, no coins are required to dial the 911 emergency number from pay telephones.
• Avoid walking too closely to bushes or areas with any kind of tall overgrowth.
• Avoid the temptation to daydream or otherwise become distracted. Know what's going on around you.
• Be alert to any sudden approach by a stranger.
• Whenever walking on a highway, road or street, always walk facing traffic. You should do this even when there are sidewalks, since it makes it more difficult for someone to drive up behind you without being noticed.
• Do not wear an IPOD or other headphone.

If You Are Attacked
Noise may be your most immediate defense. Noise will attract attention and make your location known. Others may come to your aid. Noise may foil an assailant, causing the would-be attacker to flee.
You can scream loudly if attacked. However, whistles are useful devices to attract attention, as are pocket air horns. Whatever device you choose for your personal safety, it should be carried so that it is readily accessible in an emergency.
Removing yourself from the area by running in the direction of the nearest available help may be your best defense if it is possible to do so. An assailant is not likely to want to engage in a pursuit which could increase the possibility of detection or apprehension.
When You Should Call the Police
Whenever you observe suspicious events, even though you may not be the only person observing them, call the police. Never think that the next person will do what you should do. The police department would rather get numerous calls on the same event than none at all. Often citizens fail to call because they are not sure if what they see or hear is suspicious. If you are in doubt, call the police immediately. Don't wait to talk it over with friends or neighbors. Valuable police response time is lost this way.  Call the police at 703-691-2131 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies.Don't be concerned about "bothering" your police department because you won't be. Don't dwell on any possible embarrassment you might feel if your call about a suspicious person or event should prove to be unfounded. Think instead of what could have happened had you not called.  You, your loved ones, friends or neighbors could become the victims of a criminal act.

Lost and Found
Lost and found items are processed through the Security Office. Students finding abandoned or lost articles should take them to Security. Students can check lost and found for recovered missing items.

Stolen Property
Students and parents can assist in the prevention and reduction of thefts by observing some basic rules

• You are encouraged to bring to school necessary educational items only
• Carry cash in the amount sufficient for the day
• Do not leave purses and back packs unattended
• Do not share lockers
• Do not reveal locker combinations
• Drivers need to lock all vehicle doors and do not leave valuables in plain view.

If you choose to bring to school items such as cell phones, music devices etc., it is especially helpful to have your name or student number engraved on each separate component to assist in returning lost/found and stolen/recovered items. The Security Office has an engraving tool for your use to assist in identifying property. If you experience a theft, you should complete the Theft and Loss Report , Statement of Incident and notify Security.

Facility Security
Students can contribute to a safe environment at Oakton High School by obeying locked door policies, not propping open secured doors, politely directing visitors to door #1 and the Main Office, and reporting suspicious persons and activities. Also, after 2:20pm you should be prepared to leave the school if not engaged in an after school activity, with a teacher, in the library, awaiting practice in the gym lobby or waiting for the late bus or a ride at door #1.

Student Parking
You are requesting the privilege to park on school property during the school day. Because of the limited parking at Oakton High School, seniors have priority for parking spaces. Juniors will be considered after seniors have been accommodated and will be processed in August (juniors will be informed about the application process in June, prior to the end of the school year).  The school shall determine the justification for student use of private automobiles on school grounds. Only students with a valid driver’s license will be considered. Space is limited; therefore, not all applicants are assured a parking spot.

Rising seniors and Junios may pick up parking applications in the Main Office during the summer. For parking information, click on Student Parking

Last update: 7/29/09
Curator: Cris Bradshaw
Designed By: Cris Bradshaw & Jeff Clifford '08
Banner Design By: Hallie Eilerts '08