DC Schools Break Silence On Alleged Sex Assault At Ketcham Elementary
Washington, D.C. (WUSA) DC public school officials issued a written statement Friday saying a security policy review will be conducted in the wake of an alleged sex assault on a student by a visitor to the Ketcham Elementary School Wednesday.
The girl was allegedly touched inappropriately by a visitor she was assigned to escort through the school.
The statement, issued by schools spokesperson Melissa Salmanowitz said: "In the instance at Ketcham Elementary School, the suspect spoke with an adult aide at the school about picking up a student. The aide claims to have recognized the suspect and assigned a student escort to lead him to a classroom. This is not a DCPS policy and this incident has highlighted a need to take immediate short- and long-term action to improve procedures and protocols around school security. DCPS is currently reviewing school security policies at our schools in order to strengthen and improve the way we keep our schools safe."
School officials say that entry doors must be attended by a security official at all times. All visitors must show ID and wear badges. If a security officer leaves the post, another adult is required to attend the front desk, the statement said.
Since the incident was first reported, DC school officials have refused to be interviewed by 9News, and will not allow video inside the school.
Ketcham Elementary's front entrance is covered by a security video camera. Video of the suspect has been turned over to police, school officials said.
Police have declined to share the video with 9News. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrest has been made, according to Metropolitan Police spokesperson Gwendolyn Crump.
Parents were notified of the incident by robo-calls, school officials say. An additional statement to parents is expected Monday.