Educviii: Dr. Ronald D. Stephens

The National School Safety Center serves as an advocate for safe, secure and peaceful schools worldwide and as a catalyst for the prevention of school crime and violence. It\'s Executive Director, Dr. Ronald D. Stephens, is our first guest.

Educviii: Chief Steven E. Skrynecki

As Chief of Department, Steven Skrynecki is currently the highest ranking uniform member of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) and oversees all operational aspects of the Department. He discusses how police departments have responded to school concerns after Sandy Hook and other school shootings, and how they are working to make schools safer.

Steven E. Skrynecki

Starting as a Patrolman in the First and Second Precincts, Chief Skrynecki ascended the ranks and held the distinguished position of Commanding Officer of eight integral commands, including: Vehicle Theft Squad, Robbery Squad, Second Precinct Detective Squad, Narcotics/Vice Squad, Second Precinct, Internal Affairs, and Chief of Detectives. Through these positions he amassed extensive management experience and skills in the areas of investigations, undercover operations, community policing, media relations, personnel training, budgeting, and labor relations.


Chief Skrynecki, a FBI Certified Hostage Negotiator, is a veteran of the NCPD Hostage/Crisis Negotiations Team and currently serves as Chief Negotiator. He is among the highest decorated members of the Department, a recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service and six Meritorious Police Service Awards.
An accomplished student, the Chief holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from SUNY Farmingdale and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from New York Institute of Technology, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Additionally, he is a NYS Certified Police Instructor. He also holds numerous professional certifications and citations.


His professional affiliations include service as Law Enforcement Advisor to the Anti-Defamation League (New York Chapter), and memberships in the L.I. Metro Area College & University Security Consortium, the Major Cities Chiefs Association Intelligence Commanders Group, the International Association of Chiefs of Police Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs Committee, and ASIS International. The Chief is also a member of the Nassau County Municipal Police Chiefs’ Association and a Board member of the New York Police Chiefs’ Benevolent Association, to name just a few of his affiliations. Finally, Chief Skrynecki is a proud Charter Member and past Lead Percussionist of the NCPD Pipes and Drums, as well as one of its musical instructors.

Ronald Stevens

Dr. Ronald D. Stephens was named executive director of the National School Safety Center in 1985. In this capacity, Dr. Stephens has served as consultant and frequent speaker for school districts, law enforcement agencies and professional organizations worldwide. He serves as executive editor of the School Safety News Service, America's leading school crime prevention newsletter.

Dr. Stephens holds a California teaching credential, administrative credential and a certificate in school business management. His experience includes service as a teacher, assistant superintendent and school board member. His administrative experience includes serving as chief school business officer and as vice president of Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

Dr. Stephens received his B.S. in business administration and an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. He received his Ed.D. from the University of Southern California.

National School Safety Center