Posted 1:23 pm Wednesday, December 19, 2012
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Midday update: Increased police presence planned Friday in Whitehouse ISD
TylerPaper.com video
BY KELLY GOOCH
kgooch@tylerpaper.com
The Whitehouse Police Department is taking extra steps to secure students’ safety during early dismissal on Friday, Capt. Steve Henry announced today.
kgooch@tylerpaper.com
The Whitehouse Police Department is taking extra steps to secure students’ safety during early dismissal on Friday, Capt. Steve Henry announced today.
With the recent Newtown, Conn. shooting and the fact that Friday is the Mayan prediction for the end of the Earth, he said some in Whitehouse ISD have expressed concern.
“It’s early release, everyone’s paranoid about the Mayan prediction that the world is going to end on (Dec.) 21, and we have some parents who are scared. We just want to step up security that day,” Henry said.
So in addition to the two school resource officers who patrol schools all day, other Whitehouse police officers will be on campuses during drop-off in the morning and in the afternoon during early release. That will include Henry, Chief Craig Shelton and patrol officers.
“It is because of the recent violence of schools, but (it’s more) we’re taking precautions to make sure our schools are safe,” Henry said.
He added in a news release, “Parents should be assured that students Friday will not be in danger… It is our promise that student safety and security is a non-negotiable priority.”
Henry encouraged parents to talk to children about not bringing any weapons such as firearms or knives on campus.
Police also encouraged parents and students in a news release to report any violent threats by contacting the Whitehouse Police Department or a school official instead of posting to social media.
Henry said if people have questions or they need to talk with police about something, they can approach any of the officers on campuses.
“That’s why we’re there,” he said.
“It’s early release, everyone’s paranoid about the Mayan prediction that the world is going to end on (Dec.) 21, and we have some parents who are scared. We just want to step up security that day,” Henry said.
So in addition to the two school resource officers who patrol schools all day, other Whitehouse police officers will be on campuses during drop-off in the morning and in the afternoon during early release. That will include Henry, Chief Craig Shelton and patrol officers.
“It is because of the recent violence of schools, but (it’s more) we’re taking precautions to make sure our schools are safe,” Henry said.
He added in a news release, “Parents should be assured that students Friday will not be in danger… It is our promise that student safety and security is a non-negotiable priority.”
Henry encouraged parents to talk to children about not bringing any weapons such as firearms or knives on campus.
Police also encouraged parents and students in a news release to report any violent threats by contacting the Whitehouse Police Department or a school official instead of posting to social media.
Henry said if people have questions or they need to talk with police about something, they can approach any of the officers on campuses.
“That’s why we’re there,” he said.
