James Doyle Batten, Jr.
Riva,MD
Summary
Dynamic leader with a robust background in K-12 school security, emergency management, and critical incident response, complemented by extensive law enforcement leadership experience. Proven expertise in managing multi-million-dollar operations, cultivating high-performing teams, and designing innovative safety programs that seamlessly integrate law enforcement, education, and community stakeholders. Renowned for strong communication and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to fostering a positive team culture that drives success. A frequent national presenter and trusted advisor to policymakers, superintendents, and first responders, recognized for adaptability and collaboration in delivering measurable outcomes within dynamic environments.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Division of School Security
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
01.2015 - Current
- Lead security and emergency management operations for the 38th largest U.S. school district, overseeing emergency management and security programs for 88,000 students and 10,000 staff across 135 schools.
- Manage multi-million-dollar operating and capital budgets, including surveillance systems, access control, and communications infrastructure.
- Serve as Superintendent’s lead on all security and emergency management matters, liaising daily with police, fire, military, and government agencies.
- Direct training programs for thousands of district personnel; developed stimulus-based emergency drills now adopted by peer districts nationwide.
- Supervise security staff and coordinate with law enforcement on investigations, threat management, and crisis response.
Lieutenant & Commander, School Safety Section
Anne Arundel County Police Department
01.2007 - 01.2015
- Commanded 165 sworn and civilian staff dedicated to school safety, overseeing $5M in personnel and equipment assets.
- Developed policies, training, and operational procedures that became state and national models.
- Partnered with mental health services to improve student support through enhanced SRO training and mobile crisis team integration.
- Created Maryland Police Training Commission–certified programs; trained thousands of educators, staff, and community members.
- Served as adjunct PIO/media liaison; presented at national conferences on suicide prevention and youth crisis intervention.
Police Leadership Roles
Anne Arundel County Police Department
01.1990 - 01.2007
- Executive Officer, Police Lieutenant (2005–2007): Assisted in division leadership, budget oversight, and strategic planning.
- Patrol Commander, Police Lieutenant (2002–2005): Directed patrol operations and officer deployment.
- Sergeant, Vice/Narcotics (1997–2002): Supervised drug investigations and undercover operations.
- Special Operations Officer (1993–1997) & Patrol Officer (1990–1993): Served on SWAT and specialized units responding to high-risk incidents.
Education
Master of Justice Administration -
Norwich University
Northfield, VTBachelor of Arts - Sociology
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NCSkills
- Critical Incident Management & Crisis Response
- School Security Operations & Threat Assessment
- Multi-Million Dollar Budget & Asset Oversight
- Cross-Agency Collaboration & Policy Development
- Public Speaking, Training & Curriculum Development
- Team Leadership & Workforce Development
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Staff development
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
Accomplishments
- National Recognition: Recipient of national and state awards for school safety innovation, including designation as a National Model Agency by the National Association of School Resource Officers.
- Innovative Programs: Co-authored the first school-police outreach smartphone application in the United States; developed cross-disciplinary student case management teams recognized as a promising practice in K-12 student behavioral intervention.
- Legislative Impact: Collaborated with Maryland state leadership to advance the Maryland Safe Schools Act of 2010 and amendments.
- Training Leader: Delivered over 1,000 hours of specialized training to educators, school staff, and first responders on crisis response, threat management, and trauma-informed emergency drills.
- Conference Presenter: Featured speaker at Global Security Exchange (GSX), School Safety Advocacy Council, and Campus Safety Conference.
Affiliations
- National Council of School Safety Directors
- National Association of School and Campus Police Chiefs
- Association of Threat Assessment Professionals
- International Association of Emergency Managers
Certification
- FEMA/NIMS: ICS 100, 200, 700, 800; Active Shooter Response; Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning
- ALERRT: Active Attack Event Leadership, Civilian Response & Casualty Care (Train-the-Trainer)
- Advanced Threat Assessment Academy Graduate
- Maryland Center for School Safety – Certified Coordinator
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director, Division of School Security
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
01.2015 - Current
Lieutenant & Commander, School Safety Section
Anne Arundel County Police Department
01.2007 - 01.2015
Police Leadership Roles
Anne Arundel County Police Department
01.1990 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Wake Forest University
Master of Justice Administration -
Norwich University