Westchester DA Hosts School Safety Symposium, Draws New Rochelle Leaders

WHITE PLAINS, NY (October 30, 2025) — Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace hosted a school safety symposium at the courthouse, bringing together over 150 superintendents, principals, school resource officers, police chiefs and commissioners, counselors, social workers and security coordinators from public and private schools across the county, from Yonkers to Yorktown.

Among those in attendance were New Rochelle school superintendent Dr. Corey Reynolds and New Rochelle Police Department Commissioner Neil Reynolds (no relation).

The event featured presentations from Andy Grascia, chief criminal investigator, on student drug and alcohol usage; Laura Forbes, chief of the Child Sexual Abuse Material Bureau, on protecting students online and on mobile apps; and Christine Hatfield, co-chief of the Special Prosecutions Division, on confronting physical and sexual abuse of children.

Deputy chief criminal investigators Wade Hardy and Joseph Monaco led a round-table discussion where attendees voiced concerns and strategies regarding student safety.

“This first-of-its-kind symposium is the start of my administration’s efforts to unify our response to student abuse and exploitation,” Cacace said.

This year, the office has handled cases involving allegations of sexual abuse, sextortion, verbal abuse, harassment and other predations against students.

The meeting aimed to launch coordination among the DA’s office, school districts and local law enforcement, while soliciting feedback to provide needed resources.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, Cacace said.

The DA’s community affairs team offers presentations on internet and social media safety, teen safety, surviving sexual assault, healthy relationships and safe driving. Contact communityoutreach@westchesterda.net for more information or to request a presentation.

“Our kids are our most precious resource, and we must do all we can to help them thrive,” Cacace said.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.