TMCnet News
Police step up patrols around schools in response to Newton, Conn., shootingDec 14, 2012 (The Kansas City Star - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Several Johnson County police departments stepped up patrols or increased their visibility around schools in response to the elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn. None of the departments said they received any credible threats regarding safety at the schools. The increased presence was being done to ensure the public's peace of mind. Overland Park Police Chief John Douglass directed his officers to provide high visibility patrols. The extra patrols were precautionary measures to ensure the safety of children and to reassure the community that safety is a top priority. Major Troy Rettig, a spokesman with the Leawood Police Department said, they too stepped up patrols just to increase the feeling of security around the schools. Olathe police planned to have an elevated presence in and around its schools when students get out, said Sgt. Grant Allen, a spokesman for the department. Meanwhile, Master Police Officer Dan Friesen, a spokesman with the Lenexa Police Department, said they were not going to increase patrols. However, they have trained in the past with the schools and students how to respond if there was an active intruder in the schools. That includes locking doors and having students keep out of sight and quiet. "We hope it never happens," Friesen said. --Robert A. Cronkleton, [email protected] ___ (c)2012 The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.) Visit The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.) at www.kansascity.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |