One of the main concerns of every high school is the safety of its students. Miami-Dade public schools have their share of teenage fist fights, school vandalism, and theft. Gables, however, has implemented various methods in order to increase the safety of its students including security guards, cameras, and the implementation of a "no hoodie" policy.

"I think the steps the administration has taken are important and necessary," junior Anna Koehnk said.

The most noticeable form of school safety is the placement of security guards around the school in the most used entrances. According to Josephine Otero, assistant principal, "securities do not arrest, they just monitor students out accordingly."

Security guards are responsible for prohibiting people who do not belong at the school from entering, as well as looking out for suspicious activity. Students also rely on security guards to protect their personal belongings. According to Coach Thomas Hardy, a security guard here for four years, the most common type of crime is theft. Security guards also help in the struggle against skipping.

"My friends and I tried to go to McDonald’s once, but we got stopped by a security guard in a golf cart right on our way out," said David Mifsud, junior.

Students, however, have voiced their concern regarding just how safe they are in school, despite the location of security guards.

"There aren’t enough securities around open areas. How is that safe?" said Sydney Collington, senior.

Another measure that has been taken by the administration is the placement of security cameras in all main hallways and stairwells. Faculty member John Bryant was responsible for the installation of the system back in 1996.

The main purpose of these cameras, according to Bryant, is "to assist the administration in providing the students with a safe learning environment."

The cameras are also adequate in gathering hard evidence when accusing students of crimes. Much of the evidence gathered is usually based on second hand information and sources that are never fully reliable or accurate. Security cameras serve to eliminate the confusion created by the "word of mouth" information provided by students. The school cameras have also been useful in the uncovering who is behind certain vandalism.

"Students go ahead and draw graffiti without noticing that it’s all on camera," said Bryant. "Cameras hold everyone much more accountable."

Last month students may have noticed the trashcan that was set on fire in the second floor bathroom, using the security cameras, the administration were able to find the culprit. The administration could not disclose the student’s information.

Recently, attention has been brought to the new ‘no hoodies’ policies. Hoodies have been largely targeted because students are harder to identify on camera if their faces are concealed by them.

"I think that as long as students are wearing their IDs and uniform the administration should be able to tell who is a Gables student and who isn’t, however, I understand where the administration is coming from, because there have been several incidents where people’s belongings have been stolen and the hoodies don’t allow security to recognize the criminal," said Laura Gomez, junior.

Hardy voiced his skepticism about the students’ supposed ‘need’ for hoodies.

"You’re in Miami, wearing a hoodie makes no sense," said Hardy.