New security measures at Bolling Building implemented after shooting

Boston Public Schools staffers are now required to display their work IDs at all times and meet guests on the first and second floors of the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building as part of new security measures enacted after a 15-year-old opened fire inside the facility earlier this month.

“Effective Thursday, February 16, all Boston Public Schools and Bolling Building staff will be required to have their work identification/ access cards visible in our building at all times,” BPS Chief of Operations John Hanlon said in a letter to staff. “Additionally, all Bolling and BPS staff are required to meet guests on the first or second floor and escort them to their destination. This means Hub Security officers will no longer use their swipe cards to allow guests access to floors 3-6.”

Hanlon said school officials are also encouraging staffers to sign up for instant emergency alerts through a CrisisGo smartphone app.

The security enhancements come less than a month after a 15-year-old boy was arrested for allegedly pulling out a loaded handgun and firing one shot inside the Dudley Square school district headquarters during a confrontation with another juvenile.

In his letter, Hanlon said BPS “continues to work with the Boston Police Department, Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s Office and property management company NAI Hunneman, on improving security while balancing the need of maintaining a welcoming space for everyone,” adding, “additional security measures and communications enhancements are forthcoming and we will continue to update you as we finalize implementation plans.”